What is the meaning of "you spoil me"? - Question about English (US) (2024)

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In a positive context, it is usually something said by a person whom you treat very well in a relationship. For example, when you give your boyfriend or girlfriend things that they want like gifts or compliments, or when you are very tolerant of their shortcomings. So they might say "You spoil me," in a happy and bashful sort of tone. In this case, it may express appreciation and thanks, but it may still depend on the context.
If your significant other were to say that with an angry tone, it could mean that they don't like the fact that you've been giving too many gifts due to some personal reason.

Note that the term spoiled is usually used with a negative implication.

eg. Spoiled child
Here, it is used to show how the child has been used to being given everything they want and never gets scolded. As a result, the child often shows bad behaviour, especially when not being given what they want.

e.g. Spoiled milk, spoiled food
Meaning food that has rotten

eg. Why do you always have to spoil my fun?
This said by someone when you're ruining or getting in the way of their plans.

As you can see the word "spoil" is usually used to express something that was once good but has become destroyed or ruined. In the phrase that you gave, "spoil" may seem negative, unless someone says it with a positive tone in their voice.

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That you give someone too many presents/compliments - they are becoming spoiled.

In a positive context, it is usually something said by a person whom you treat very well in a relationship. For example, when you give your boyfriend or girlfriend things that they want like gifts or compliments, or when you are very tolerant of their shortcomings. So they might say "You spoil me," in a happy and bashful sort of tone. In this case, it may express appreciation and thanks, but it may still depend on the context.
If your significant other were to say that with an angry tone, it could mean that they don't like the fact that you've been giving too many gifts due to some personal reason.

Note that the term spoiled is usually used with a negative implication.

eg. Spoiled child
Here, it is used to show how the child has been used to being given everything they want and never gets scolded. As a result, the child often shows bad behaviour, especially when not being given what they want.

e.g. Spoiled milk, spoiled food
Meaning food that has rotten

eg. Why do you always have to spoil my fun?
This said by someone when you're ruining or getting in the way of their plans.

As you can see the word "spoil" is usually used to express something that was once good but has become destroyed or ruined. In the phrase that you gave, "spoil" may seem negative, unless someone says it with a positive tone in their voice.

@cataryyna Such a long explanation lol. Nice

@SmallTarzan haha I know, I just wanna make it a point that it really depends on the context since spoil is usually a really negative word

@cataryyna Yuppie. I would explain further as well, but writing long explanations on phone is often difficult. Thanks for doing it instead!

@cataryyna really perfect thank you so so much