These days it’s nearly impossible to avoid spoilers for films, television shows, or books. Fortunately, some folks have the good graces to warn us with a “spoiler alert.” But have you ever wondered where the term “spoilers” came from ? It appears that the first published use may have been in “Spoilers” by Douglas C. Kenney, appearing in the April 1971 issue of National Lampoon. The article explains that in the then contemporary “seething cauldron of racial, political and moral conflict,” suspenseful plots could be dangerous to our health. It then goes on to reveal the plot twists of over fifty classic novels and movies. Spoiler alert, the original article follows below.