Idioms

12 Idioms To Describe People Negatively

In life, you will encounter a person who has a negative personality or acts differently than you. There are many ways to describe people negatively. It could be in a simple or creative way. These 12 idioms will help you improve the way you describe someone negatively.

  1. Pain in the neck

An annoying person

Example: Damien is such a pain in the neck. He shows up late during dance practices.

  1. Cheapskate

Hates spending money on anything

Example: I have a friend who is a cheapskate.

  1. Dipstick

A seemingly unintelligent person

Example: He is a dipstick when it comes to managing money.

  1. Slave driver

Someone who makes others work extremely hard

Example: Jonas does not contribute anything during our thesis. It shows that he is a slave driver.

  1. Wimp

A person who is lacking in confidence.

Example: Jenni has stage fright. She is such a wimp.

  1. Big mouth

Someone who is incapable of keeping a secret

Example: Ronni shared a secret with Jamie, not knowing she is a big mouth.

  1. Busybody

A person who shows a keen interest in the private lives of others.

Example: My friend just talks to me as if she is a busybody.

  1. Skiver

Someone who is absent from school or work for no apparent reason

Example: Sometimes, Lacy is a skiver.

  1. Creep

A nasty person who is attempting to convince higher authority.

Example: Donald just shows up at work and acts like a creep!

  1. Full of yourself

A person who praises themselves and proves to others they are capable of doing something more

Example: “You, Rey, are full of yourself!”, Matilda said when they argued yesterday.

  1. Lamebrain

A sluggish thinker takes a while to come up with an idea

Example: Cory told me that she was a lamebrain during the exam last Monday.

  1. Wet blanket

A person who spoils other people’s enjoyment by being perpetually pessimistic and complaining.

Example: Last night, I and my brother went to Chicago, but acted like a wet blanket.

There are still more idioms in describing a person, it could be in a negative or positive way. Just choose wisely!

Gabrielle Love Acero

Gabrielle Love Acero has nurtured a love for writing from a young age, expressing herself through stories, essays, and scripts. Her passion for the craft was strengthened by her fondness for reading books, articles, and informative publications, which broadened her perspective and enhanced her skills. She went on to explore scriptwriting and film production, even earning recognition in an interschool competition hosted by the Commission on Population (PopCom) – Region X, where one of her works placed among the top entries. Alongside her literary pursuits, Gabrielle has always been drawn to service and volunteerism. She has actively taken part in church ministries, engaging in music, teaching, and outreach programs aimed at uplifting communities and inspiring others. Her leadership roles in youth activities reflect her dedication, compassion, and commitment to serving both people and her faith. Gabrielle is also recognized for her strong sense of responsibility and organizational ability, qualities that shine in the many groups and initiatives she has contributed to. Whether in creative, community, or leadership roles, she exemplifies discipline, humility, and purpose, striving for excellence not for her own glory but as a reflection of her deeper values and calling.