Debbie Downer
Constant negative voice
A Debbie Downer is someone who dampens the mood by injecting pessimism, bad news, or negative observations into otherwise cheerful situations.
The term comes from a Saturday Night Live sketch featuring a character who couldn't help mentioning depressing facts at social gatherings: Don't be such a Debbie Downer—we're trying to celebrate.
The name has become generic for any habitual killjoy.
One who dampens merriment
- buzzkillFun-spoiling person or thing
- wet blanketOne who discourages others
- party pooperOne who dampens merriment
- sourpussHabitually sullen person
Eeyore · negative Nancy · doomsayer · prophet of doom · pessimist · cynic · complainer · whiner
Expressing discontent verbally
- negativityDisposition toward pessimism
- pessimismExpecting unfavorable outcomes
- cynicismDistrust of human sincerity
- doom and gloomPersistent negative outlook
catastrophizing · worst-case thinking · glass half empty · finding fault · nitpicking · dwelling · brooding · lamenting
Thing that reduces force
- discouragementLoss of confidence
- letdownFailure to satisfy expectations
- disappointmentSadness from unmet expectations
- mood killerWhat ruins atmosphere
conversation stopper · demoralizer · disheartening · deflating · depressing · dispiriting · sobering · awkward moment
Weekly late-night sketch program
- sketch comedyShort comic performances
- characterNature, symbol, or role
- catchphraseSignature line of words
- wah-wahOscillating tonal filter effect
trombone · Thanksgiving · dinner party · recurring character · impersonation · parody · comedy sketch
killjoy
One who dampens merriment
- buzzkillFun-spoiling person or thing
- wet blanketOne who discourages others
- party pooperOne who dampens merriment
sourpuss · Eeyore · negative Nancy · doomsayer · prophet of doom · pessimist · cynic · complainer · whiner · moaner
complaining
Expressing discontent verbally
- negativityDisposition toward pessimism
- pessimismExpecting unfavorable outcomes
- cynicismDistrust of human sincerity
doom and gloom · catastrophizing · worst-case thinking · glass half empty · finding fault · nitpicking · dwelling · brooding · lamenting · sighing
dampener
Thing that reduces force
- discouragementLoss of confidence
- letdownFailure to satisfy expectations
- disappointmentSadness from unmet expectations
mood killer · conversation stopper · demoralizer · disheartening · deflating · depressing · dispiriting · sobering · awkward moment · tension
Saturday Night Live
Weekly late-night sketch program
- sketch comedyShort comic performances
- characterNature, symbol, or role
- catchphraseSignature line of words
wah-wah · trombone · Thanksgiving · dinner party · recurring character · impersonation · parody · comedy sketch
- SNLSaturday Night Live, Weekend Update, cold open, sketch comedy, cue cards
- curmudgeonscurmudgeon, grouch, grump, crank, sourpuss
Debbie Downeroptimist
Habitually hopeful person
Pollyanna · Little Miss Sunshine · eternal optimist · ray of sunshine · sunny disposition
Debbie Downerlife of the party
Most entertaining guest
ray of sunshine · cheerleader · energizer · good-time Charlie · ray of light
downhill, downcast, downer, downplay, downbeat, debutante, Deborah, downers, Debbie