WordGarden.iopooper
Pronunciation
UK
US
- /ˈpupər/
Meanings
Noun
a person or animal that poops
(informal)the buttocks or anus
Beyond the definition
"Pooper" is a playful, very informal word. In its most literal sense, it can mean someone who has just gone to the bathroom, especially in talk with babies or small children. Much more often, though, it is used as a light insult for someone who ruins the fun or refuses to join in. You might call a friend a "pooper" if they bring down the mood, or call a child a "little pooper" in a teasing, affectionate way. It works best in casual situations and can sound childish, so it is not a good fit for formal speech.
Here are some examples:
- "My little brother is such a pooper; he always tattles on me." (childish annoyance)
- "Don't be such a pooper, come join the party!" (spoilsport)
- "Oh look, she's a little pooper!" (said about a baby who just went to the bathroom).
The word "pooper" is an informal, often childish word with both a literal and a figurative use. Literally, it can refer to someone who has just pooped, especially in "potty talk" with babies or very young children. In that sense, it sounds playful rather than medical or serious.
More commonly, "pooper" is used for someone who spoils the fun, disappoints the group, or acts like a mild killjoy. This use is closely tied to the phrase "party pooper," and sometimes "pooper" appears on its own as a shorter, more playful version. For example, if someone refuses to join a game, complains during a fun plan, or makes the mood less cheerful, another person might jokingly call them a "pooper."
The word carries a strong sense of childishness and is rarely used in formal settings. It fits best in casual conversation with friends, family, or children, where the speaker means to tease rather than seriously insult. Tone matters a lot: depending on how it is said, it can sound affectionate, joking, or mildly annoyed.
It is also used in affectionate teasing, especially in phrases like "you little pooper," where it can mean someone is being a bit naughty, annoying, or troublesome without sounding harsh. Even then, the word stays very informal and playful. Overall, the most useful meaning to remember is the common figurative one: a person who ruins the fun, with the literal bathroom sense mainly appearing in talk with young children.
Examples
- 1
Pet behavior
The puppy is a nervous pooper, so he will not go unless the yard is quiet.
- 2
Baby care
The baby is a champion pooper, so bring extra diapers.
- 3
Social criticism
Don’t be such a party pooper; stay for one more game.
- Phraseparty pooper
someone who spoils other people’s fun
See also
Similar
- killjoy
- spoilsport
- wet blanket
Shades of meaning
- buzzkill
- downer
Contrast
- life of the party
- good sport
Used with (collocations)
- party pooper
Explore
- social mood
- enthusiasm
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- pooper