Definition

Noun: 1. A person who imitates or replicates the words, actions, or style of another person, often in a derivative or unoriginal manner. - This term is often used to describe someone who mimics another's behavior, ideas, or creative work without adding originality, typically with a negative connotation of being uncreative or a follower.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • After the success of her unique fashion line, she was frustrated to see so many copycats in the industry.
  • He's just a copycat; he repeats every joke his older brother tells.
  • The movie was accused of being a copycat of a famous Hollywood blockbuster.

Advanced Usage

• "Copycat crime": A crime that is committed in imitation of a previous, well-publicized crime.
  • The police were concerned the media coverage might inspire copycat crimes.
• "Copycat product": A product designed to closely resemble a popular, successful product from another company.
  • The market was flooded with cheap copycat products after the smartphone's launch.

Variants and Related Words

• Copy (verb/noun): To make a reproduction of something; a thing made to be similar or identical to another.
  • He tried to copy the artist's painting style.
• Imitator (noun): A person who copies the behavior or actions of another. (A more formal synonym).
• Replicant (noun): (Specialized/Science Fiction) An artificial being created as an exact copy of a human.

Synonyms

• Imitator
• Follower
• Mimic
• Plagiarist (specifically for copying written work or ideas)

Related Phrases

• To be a copycat: To engage in the act of copying.
  • Stop trying to be a copycat and come up with your own ideas.

Related Idioms

• "Copycat behavior": Actions characterized by imitation.
  • The teacher discouraged copycat behavior during the independent test.

Noun

1. someone who copies the words or behavior of another