vibe killer
/vaɪb ˈkɪlər/
Meaning
A 'vibe killer' is a person, event, or piece of news that instantly ruins a positive, fun, or relaxed atmosphere. It is commonly used in casual social situations when someone brings up a sad, serious, or annoying topic during a party or hangout. While it is informal slang, it is not highly offensive, though it is direct.
Examples
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I don't want to be a vibe killer, but we really need to start cleaning up before the landlord gets here.
I don't want to be a vibe killer, but we really need to start cleaning up before the landlord gets here.
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Bringing up politics at a birthday party is such a vibe killer.
Bringing up politics at a birthday party is such a vibe killer.
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The sudden rainstorm was a total vibe killer for our beach picnic.
The sudden rainstorm was a total vibe killer for our beach picnic.
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Don't invite Mark; he's a bit of a vibe killer when he starts complaining about his job.
Don't invite Mark; he's a bit of a vibe killer when he starts complaining about his job.
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She turned off the music and turned on the bright lights, which was a major vibe killer.
She turned off the music and turned on the bright lights, which was a major vibe killer.
Common Mistakes
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✗ He is a killer of vibe.
✓ He is a vibe killer.
Learners often translate literally from languages that use prepositional structures. 'Vibe killer' is a compound noun, so the words must stay together without 'of'.
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✗ That movie was very vibe killer.
✓ That movie was a total vibe killer.
'Vibe killer' is a noun phrase, not an adjective. You must use an article like 'a' or 'such a' before it, rather than modifying it with 'very'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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I hate to be a ___, but we have an early meeting tomorrow and should probably go home.
💡 Someone or something that ruins a good mood.
Show answer
vibe killer
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The loud construction noise outside was a total ___ during our relaxing spa day.
💡 A compound noun used to describe something that ruins a relaxed atmosphere.
Show answer
vibe killer