Which is correct, spoilt or spoiled?
Both spellings are correct! "Spoiled" is more common in American English, while "spoilt" is more common in British English. However, the spellings are considered interchangeable, and you can use either one.
What does spoilt/spoiled mean?
Spoilt or spoiled can mean multiple things depending on the context:
- Physically decayed or damaged:
- Example: The fruit was spoilt/spoiled and had to be discarded.
2. Having received excessive indulgence or favoritism, leading to a lack of discipline or gratitude:
- Example: The spoilt/spoiled child threw a tantrum when he couldn't get his way.
3. Corrupted or tainted, often used in the context of food or perishable items:
- Example: The milk had spoilt/spoiled, and the smell was unpleasant.
4. Ruined or damaged, especially in terms of the quality or enjoyment of something:
- Example: The surprise was spoilt/spoiled when someone accidentally revealed the secret.
🚗 Upon opening the refrigerator, the unpleasant odor signaled that the leftover food had spoilt, and it was no longer safe to consume. (British spelling)
🚗 Upon opening the refrigerator, the unpleasant odor signaled that the leftover food had spoiled, and it was no longer safe to consume. (American spelling)
In this context, "spoilt/spoiled" means that the food has undergone physical decay or decomposition, rendering it inedible and potentially harmful to health.
When to Use "Spoilt" vs. "Spoiled"
When to Use "Spoilt":
- "Spoilt" is the British English spelling of the past participle of "spoil." Use it in British English when referring to something that has been damaged or ruined, or to describe a person who has been excessively indulged or pampered.
Example Sentences using "Spoilt" (British English):
- The rain spoilt our outdoor picnic plans.
- The milk was spoilt, so we had to discard it.
- She was spoilt with gifts on her birthday.
- The surprise party was spoilt when he accidentally revealed it.
- The child's behavior indicated that he had been spoilt by his grandparents.
When to Use "Spoiled":
- "Spoiled" is the American English spelling of the past participle of "spoil." Use it in American English when referring to something that has been damaged or ruined, or to describe a person who has been excessively indulged or pampered.
Examples using "Spoiled" (American English):
- The unexpected rain spoiled our outdoor plans.
- The dessert was spoiled due to a power outage.
- She felt spoiled after receiving so many gifts.
- The surprise was spoiled when he accidentally revealed it.
- The child's behavior indicated that he had been spoiled by his grandparents.
Remember, while they can be used interchangeably, "spoiled" is the American English spelling while "spoilt" is the British English spelling. This is consistent with a general rule that British spelling sometimes ends the word with a "-t" rather than the American "-ed".
Synonyms/Related Phrases
- Ruined: Destroyed or severely damaged, making something no longer usable or enjoyable.
- Damaged: Harmed or impaired, often referring to the physical state of something.
- Tarnished: Diminished in quality or reputation, often as a result of negative actions or influences.
- Corrupted: Changed for the worse, especially morally, by external influences or unethical behavior.
- Tainted: Contaminated or spoiled, often suggesting impurity or a negative influence on something previously pure or untarnished.
Common Idioms/Phrases
Too many cooks spoil the broth:
- Meaning: A warning that too many cooks, or people trying to influence or control the direction of a movement, can ruin the outcome.
- Example: Trying to incorporate everyone's ideas might spoil the broth; we need a clear vision.
To be spoiling for a fight:
- Meaning: Eager or ready for a confrontation or argument.
- Example: His aggressive stance suggested he was spoiling for a fight.
Similar Cases
British spelling often uses a "t" instead of the American "ed", and spoilt vs. spoiled is an example of this rule.
Here are some other examples:
- Learnt (British) / Learned (American)
- Burnt (British) / Burned (American)
- Dreamt (British) / Dreamed (American)
- Leant (British) / Leaned (American)
- Spilt (British) / Spilled (American)
Spoilt vs. Spoiled: Which is Used More Often?
The Ngram graph below shows how often "spoilt" and "spoiled" have been used from the 1800s to the 2000s. Both have been used throughout time, but spoiled has been used more often than spoilt. Remember that both are still correct, and that this is more a matter of regional differences. The Ngram graph suggests that if you're writing without an audience region in mind, it may be better to use spoiled over spoilt.
FAQ
Is spoilt or spoiled British English?
Spoilt is British English, but both can be used interchangeably.
What does "spoils of war" mean?
"Spoils of war" refers to the valuable items, resources, or rewards that are taken or seized by the victorious side in a conflict or war. These can include tangible assets such as wealth, land, art, or precious objects, as well as intangible gains like power, influence, or control over territories.
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