- Meaning
- This idiom describes someone or something that is an exact or strikingly close likeness to another, often in appearance, behavior, or essence, as if they could be the ‘spit’ (exact replica) and image of the original. It conveys remarkable similarity or resemblance, typically used in personal, familial, or descriptive contexts to highlight uncanny likeness, especially between relatives or copies. The phrase carries a tone of amazement, affection, or vivid observation, reflecting cultural fascination with heredity and imitation, and the human delight in spotting near-identical traits. It resonates in family settings or comparisons, capturing the wonder of mirrored identities, and its quirky imagery adds a layer of folksy charm, evoking a literal spitting out of a duplicate. The idiom often emphasizes inherited or replicated qualities, making it a warm expression for celebrating or marveling at resemblance.
- Origin
- The phrase likely originated in 17th-century England, rooted in the phrase ‘spit and image,’ where ‘spit’ may derive from ‘spirit’ or the idea of being ‘spat out’ as a perfect copy, possibly tied to folklore about creation or birth. Its earliest recorded use appears in George Chapman’s 1680 play *The Widow’s Tears*: ‘He’s the very spit and image of his father.’ The idiom gained traction in the 18th century, reflecting a culture fascinated by lineage, as seen in Samuel Pepys’ diary entries about family traits. Its use grew in 19th-century British and American literature, particularly in sentimental and familial narratives, with Charles Dickens’ *David Copperfield* (1850) using it for likenesses. The phrase’s adoption was amplified in the 20th century through media, notably in family dramas and *The New York Times* stories on heredity. Its spread to Commonwealth English came through British influence, and its vivid imagery, evoking a spitting replica, and its applicability to resemblance ensured its enduring use across English-speaking cultures, from family reunions to pop culture comparisons.
- Variants
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- Spit and image
- Spitting image
- Spit and likeness
- Dead spit and image
- Examples
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- He’s the spit and image of his grandfather, right down to the smile.
- Spitting image, she looks just like her mother at that age.
- Spit and likeness, the puppy mirrors its champion sire perfectly.
- Dead spit and image, his mannerisms are identical to his dad’s.
- She’s the spit and image of her aunt, both in looks and attitude.
- Spitting image of the original, the remake captured the film’s essence.
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