copycat: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, sometimes pejorative, common in everyday and journalistic use.
Quick answer
What does “copycat” mean?
A person who imitates or copies the actions, behavior, or work of another person.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who imitates or copies the actions, behavior, or work of another person.
Also used as a verb meaning to imitate or replicate something, and as an attributive adjective to describe products, crimes, or behavior that are imitative.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is equally common and used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly childish or schoolyard term when referring to a person. In business/legal contexts, it is neutral-descriptive (e.g., copycat products).
Frequency
Very high frequency in both varieties, with no significant divergence.
Grammar
How to Use “copycat” in a Sentence
[N] copycatcopycat [N]to copycat [sb/sth]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “copycat” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The younger sibling always tries to copycat everything his brother does.
- The company was accused of attempting to copycat the successful app's interface.
American English
- Don't just copycat my moves, create your own dance style.
- Several manufacturers quickly copycatted the popular smartphone design.
adjective
British English
- Police are concerned about a potential copycat attack following the media coverage.
- The market was flooded with copycat toys after the film's release.
American English
- The school is dealing with a series of copycat pranks.
- They released a copycat version of the popular snack cake.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Describes a product that closely mimics a market leader's features.
Academic
Used in psychology (behavioral studies) and criminology.
Everyday
Common among children ('Stop being a copycat!').
Technical
In law enforcement, refers to crimes modeled on a previous incident.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “copycat”
- Using 'copycat' in formal academic writing without quotation marks or definition.
- Confusing 'copycat' (person) with 'plagiarist' (steals written work).
- Overusing as a verb in formal contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It often has a negative or pejorative connotation, implying a lack of originality. However, in neutral descriptive contexts like 'copycat product', it can be factual without strong judgment.
Yes, but it is considered informal. The verb form means 'to imitate or copy slavishly'. More formal alternatives are 'to imitate', 'to emulate', or 'to replicate'.
A 'copycat' generally imitates actions, behavior, or the general idea of something. A 'plagiarist' specifically steals and passes off written work or ideas as their own. Plagiarism is a specific academic/legal offense, while being a copycat is a broader behavioral description.
Rarely. It is almost always critical. In business, calling something a 'copycat product' highlights its lack of innovation. The term 'flattery' (as in 'imitation is the sincerest form of flattery') is used for a potentially positive spin on similar behavior.
A person who imitates or copies the actions, behavior, or work of another person.
Copycat is usually informal, sometimes pejorative, common in everyday and journalistic use. in register.
Copycat: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒp.i.kæt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑː.pi.kæt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “copycat suicide”
- “copycat effect”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CAT that just COPIES everything you do.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMITATION IS MIRRORING / CREATIVITY IS ORIGINALITY.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'copycat' LEAST likely to be used?