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Sam
What is "a wet blanket"? Is it a common expression?
Aug 5, 2011 6:32 AM
Answers · 2
"a wet blanket" is an old fashioned, informal expression which describes a person whose low spirits or lack of enthusiasm have a depressing effect on others. Another similar term is " a spoilsport" or " a wuss"
Example: Come on, let's go out tonight and stop being such a wet blanket/spoilsport/wuss. Who cares if it's raining?
August 5, 2011
"A wet blanket" is a metaphorical term used to describe somebody whose negative, non-cooperative, perhaps sulking, attitude spoils the fun his/her friends/colleagues,... are having or about to have. A similar expression is "a spoilport", but the former is more descriptive, in my view. Just imagine yourself in a cold place urgently needing a warm blanket and being offered a wet, sticky, cold one. Very unpleasant, don´t you think? So try never to be a wet blanket/spoilsport. ("Don´t be a wetblanket"; you may also hear "What a wet blanket you are!) At bottom, the ethical/aesthetical basisfor the expression is: Enjoy life and let others enjoy theirs :-)
August 5, 2011
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Sam
Language Skills
Chinese (Mandarin), English
Learning Language
English
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