Spoilt Meaning and Definition
Spoilt
Spoilt
Pronunciation
/ˈspoʊlt/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
A person or thing that has been indulged excessively in comfort, luxury, or pampering, often to the point of becoming spoiled or inferior in quality.
Etymology
The word “Spoilt” comes from the Old English words “sport” meaning ” amusement” and “wilt” meaning “to spoil”. It has been used in English since the 15th century to describe something or someone that has been overly indulged.
Usage Notes
When describing a person, “Spoilt” is often used to convey that they have been overly protected or indulged, often leading to negative consequences. When describing an object or thing, “Spoilt” suggests that it has been damaged or corrupted by excessive use or luxury.
Cultural References
The phrase “spoilt child” has been used to describe a child who is overly pampered or indulged, often leading to behavioral problems. The concept of “spoilt” has also been explored in literature, with examples such as Thomas Hardy’s “Tess of the d’Urbervilles” and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- All spoilt, nothing good ever happens to them
- Spoilt rotten
- Spoilt for choice
Related Words or Phrases
- Pampered
- Indulged
- Luxurious
Collocations
- Spoilt brat
- Spoilt child
- Spoilt for choice
Frequency of Use
Spoilt is a relatively common word in modern English, particularly in informal settings. It has a frequency of use of around 1.5% in everyday conversation.
Common Misspellings
- Spolt
- Spoilted