Langimage
English

copycat

|cop/y/cat|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈkɑːpiˌkæt/

🇬🇧

/ˈkɒpiˌkæt/

imitation

Etymology
Etymology Information

'copycat' originates from the English words 'copy' and 'cat,' where 'copy' meant 'to imitate' and 'cat' was used colloquially to refer to a person.

Historical Evolution

'copycat' evolved from the combination of 'copy' and 'cat' in the early 20th century, becoming a common term for imitators.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it referred to someone who imitated others, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a person who imitates or adopts the behavior or ideas of another.

He's such a copycat, always dressing like his older brother.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 1

imitating or replicating someone else's work or behavior.

The copycat design was almost identical to the original.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41