People who engage in sports or other activities that could be considered "spoilsports" are often seen as unenlightened or uncultured. There is a certain level of bravado and elitism associated with being a spoilsport, and for many people, it is an intrinsic aspect of who they are. This attitude can often lead to conflicts between those who engage in sports or other activities for recreation and those who do so to win.

There is some debate over what qualifies as a "spoilsport." Generally, a spoilsport is someone who interferes with an opponent's enjoyment of the game or activity.