What does copycat mean?
A copycat is a person who imitates the actions, ideas, or creative work of another rather than producing something original. The word functions primarily as a noun but can also serve as a verb ("she copycatted her sister's every move") and as an adjective describing imitative acts, most familiarly in journalistic phrases such as "copycat crime" or "copycat killing." Its tone is distinctly informal and frequently teasing or mildly derogatory, evoking playground accusations between children as much as serious criticism of artists or writers who borrow too heavily from their predecessors. The term originated in late nineteenth-century America, combining "copy" with "cat" in reference to the animal's supposed tendency to mimic. Despite its casual register, copycat has become firmly established in both everyday speech and news reporting, making it a vivid and widely understood way to describe unoriginal imitation.
A person who imitates or copies the behaviour, work, or style of another, especially without adding anything original.
"Her classmates teased her for being a copycat whenever she wore the same outfit."
Often used teasingly among children; in adult contexts it can be a pointed criticism of unoriginality.
(Informal) To imitate another person's actions, words, or work closely and unoriginally.
"The smaller firm simply copycatted its rival's marketing strategy."
Denoting an act that deliberately imitates a previous one, especially a crime modelled on a well-known case.
"Detectives feared the robbery was the work of a copycat gang."
The plural follows standard English noun formation; it is common when referring collectively to imitative competitors or multiple imitative crimes.
"Once the product became popular, copycats flooded the market."
The word only emerged in late 19th-century America — before that, unoriginal imitators had to find another insult.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of copycat
Copycat was coined in the United States in the late nineteenth century, formed by compounding the existing word "copy" with "cat," presumably alluding to the notion that cats imitate or mirror behaviour. It is attested in American sources from around the 1890s and spread quickly into general English usage. The element "cat" traces back through Old English "catt" to late Latin "cattus," making related forms such as "catcall," "catnap," and "catty" part of its broader word family.
How copycat is actually used
Copycat is informal in tone and often carries a mildly derogatory or teasing connotation, particularly when applied to children copying one another. In journalism, it appears neutrally in phrases like "copycat crime." The verb use is chiefly American informal.
Easily confused with copycat
"Copyright" is the legal right protecting original works from being copied, while "copycat" refers to a person who imitates others.