What does “Misery guts” mean?
"Misery guts" means a person who is always unhappy or complaining.
What context can I use the in?
Example
My coworker is such a misery guts, always finding something to complain about.
Example
Don't invite him to the party, he's such a misery guts and will just bring everyone down.
Example
She's known as the office misery guts because she never has anything positive to say
Is “Misery guts” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Misery guts” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Misery guts” effectively in context?
You can use "Misery Guts" to describe someone who is always unhappy or complaining. It's often used in a lighthearted or playful manner to tease or mock someone's negative attitude. For example, if a friend is constantly complaining about everything, you might say, 'There goes our resident "misery guts" again, finding something to grumble about.'
- 1Work
My coworker is such a misery guts, always finding something to complain about.
- 2Social Events
Don't invite him to the party, he's such a misery guts and will just bring everyone down.
- 3Office Environment
She's known as the office misery guts because she never has anything positive to say.
Similar phrases to “Misery guts”:
Debbie Downer
A person who frequently has a negative or pessimistic outlook
Example
She's such a Debbie Downer, always focusing on the worst-case scenario.
Grumpy Gus
A person who is often irritable or easily annoyed
Example
Don't mind him, he's just being a Grumpy Gus today.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Misery guts” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Misery Guts" is unknown.
Is “Misery guts” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Misery Guts" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to playfully describe someone who is always unhappy or complaining.
What tone does “Misery guts” have?
"Misery Guts" conveys a tone of lightheartedness and teasing. It's often used in a playful manner to mock or poke fun at someone's negative attitude.
Can “Misery guts” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Misery Guts" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes someone's constant unhappiness or complaining. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He's such a "misery guts", always finding something to complain about.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Don't be such a "misery guts"!' to imply someone's negative attitude.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- whiner
- complainer
- killjoy
- gloomy gus
- party pooper
Antonyms
- optimist
- cheerful person
- positive thinker
- ray of sunshine
