marplot

plural marplots

1. Synonym of spoilsport, one who ruins other's plans or enjoyment of something.First known use 18th c.

   “The old marplot has discovered the baby,” Monica whispered. “I suppose it cried and woke him up, and now he thinks he's witness to a miracle.”

   1920, Peter B. Kyne, chapter XI, in The Understanding Heart

   2 more examples

   Several classical texts relate that the mighty god Kung Kung (Common Work) [translating 共工 (Gònggōng)] plays the mythic role of the marplot, that is, one who seeks to destroy the cosmos.⁴¹ Chapter Three of Huai-nan Tzu [translating 淮南子 (Huáinánzǐ)], for example, narrates how the rebellious Kung Kung fought with the sky god Chuan Hsü [translating 顓頊 /颛顼] for world domination and in his titanic fury Kung Kung broke one of the supports that separated the sky from the earth.⁴²

   2006, Anne Birrell, “Myth as Sacred History”, in Chinese Myth and Culture, Cambridge: McGuinness China Monographs, →ISBN, →OCLC, page 92

   Unthinking Anglo-Saxons regard him as a Gallic marplot, rather than the great twentieth-century statesman he was – certainly the greatest Frenchman since Napoleon.

   2012, Michael Burleigh, “Keeping the Flame Alive”, in Literary Review, section 402

   Synonyms: spoilsport, one who ruins other's plans or enjoyment of something

comparative more marplot · superlative most marplot

1. archaicRuining a plan, interfering, spoilsport.First known use 18th c.

   Let us argue the point with this pert, unruly, marplot conscience of mine…

   1792, Thomas Holcroft, Anna St. Ives, vol. V, letter 83