lookie-likie: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
rareinformal, colloquial, often humorous
Quick answer
What does “lookie-likie” mean?
A person who bears a strong, often amusing, resemblance to someone famous.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who bears a strong, often amusing, resemblance to someone famous; a lookalike.
Often used humorously or derogatorily to refer to an imitation or copy, especially one of lower quality or status than the original.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily British; very rare in American English. In the US, 'lookalike', 'ringer', or 'dead ringer' are far more common.
Connotations
British use is often humorous and slightly dismissive. The American equivalent 'lookalike' is more neutral.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but higher relative recognition in the UK.
Grammar
How to Use “lookie-likie” in a Sentence
[be/act as] a lookie-likie for [celebrity][hire/spot] a lookie-likieVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lookie-likie” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The pub had a terrible Elvis lookie-likie singing on Saturdays.
- She was hired as a lookie-likie for the minor royal at the corporate event.
American English
- The casino's promotional act featured an unconvincing Dolly Parton lookie-likie.
- He's not the real tech CEO, just a lookie-likie they use for security.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Might appear in informal marketing or event planning for novelty acts.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Used in casual conversation, gossip, or tabloid media.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “lookie-likie”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “lookie-likie”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lookie-likie”
- Spelling as 'looky-likey' or 'lookie-likey'. Using it in formal contexts. Overusing the term in regions where it is unfamiliar.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is non-standard, informal, and primarily used in British colloquial speech.
A 'doppelgänger' is often used for an uncanny, coincidental resemblance, sometimes with supernatural connotations. A 'lookie-likie' is more casual and often implies a deliberate or professional imitation for entertainment.
It is almost exclusively used for people. For objects, terms like 'knock-off', 'copy', or 'imitation' are used.
'Lookie-likie' is the most common spelling, though 'looky-likey' is also seen. It is a reduplication, so both parts are typically hyphenated.
A person who bears a strong, often amusing, resemblance to someone famous.
Lookie-likie is usually informal, colloquial, often humorous in register.
Lookie-likie: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlʊk.i ˈlaɪk.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlʊk.i ˈlaɪk.i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He's a poor man's [celebrity name] (related concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a child pointing: 'Lookie! He looks like him!' – a simple, reduplicated phrase.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PERSON IS A COPY (of an original).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'lookie-likie' be LEAST appropriate?