What is the person called who always thinks negative? E.g.
- Mr. X always thinks negative.
- Mr. X has negative attitude.
What we can use either? Is there any particular word for this?
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6 Answers
The word is pessimist, a person who expects the worst.
Mr X is a pessimist.
Contrast with optimist.
It is often said that while optimists are happier, pessimists are more often correct.
and
Optimists are said to live longer than pessimists, though a pessimist might say those extra few years are bound to be miserable.
answered Mar 10, 2011 at 12:23
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4Difference between a pessimist and an optimist. In difficult situation, the pessimist will say "It can hardly be any worse than that". The optimist will answer "Of course it can !". Commented Mar 10, 2011 at 14:23
There are a lot of colloquialisms and other terms that mean the same thing:
"Mr. X is a ..."
- Negative Nancy
- Downer
- Drag
- Debbie Downer
- Naysayer
- Prophet of doom
- Doomsayer
- Futilitarian
answered Mar 10, 2011 at 16:34
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2+1 for Negative Nancy, which I have heard to describe both men and women.– ZootCommented Mar 10, 2011 at 16:51
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3
Alternatives for consideration:
- Cynic
- Defeatist
'Mr X Thinks negatively' is correct.
However, 'Mr X is a pessimist' is more grammatically sound.
I've always enjoyed slang expressions like "Mr Unhappy is a real stick in the mud" (i.e. won't participate) and similar expressions like curmudgeon or party pooper. They have slightly different connotations than always thinking negatively, but I think the mindset would have the be similar to support them.
A lackadaisical person is someone who is listless and lacking vigor or determination, in short someone with a negative attitude.
