What does mimics mean?
The word “mimics” most commonly refers to people who reproduce someone else’s appearance, gestures, voice, or mannerisms, often with a degree of exaggeration that can make the imitation amusing or mocking. It can also refer to animals, objects, sounds, or systems that copy another. In its verb form, “mimics” means to imitate or copy, and it may be used approvingly when the imitation is skilful or negatively when it suggests mockery or a lack of originality. The word is especially common in contexts involving performance, speech, movement, and visual resemblance. Its history comes through a chain of Greek and Latin words associated with actors and imitators. Understanding “mimic” helps distinguish the individual copier from “mimicry,” the broader behaviour or act of imitation, and from “mime,” a performer who traditionally communicates without spoken words.
A person or thing that imitates another in appearance, behaviour, voice, or sound.
"The parrot was an excellent mimic of human speech."
The noun can be affectionate or humorous when describing a skilled imitator, but it may also imply mockery or excessive copying.
To imitate or copy the appearance, actions, voice, or mannerisms of someone or something.
"He mimicked the teacher’s voice so well that the class laughed."
The verb is often used when the imitation is conspicuous, exaggerated, or intended to amuse.
The standard plural of the noun “mimic” is “mimics.” The same spelling is also the third-person singular present of the verb “mimic.”
"Several clever mimics performed at the talent show."
A mimic can copy every outward detail, but the word also carries a sting: constant imitation can turn admiration into mockery.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of mimics
The word comes through Latin from Greek roots associated with mimētēs, an imitator, and ultimately mimos, an actor or mime. English “mimic” was established in the 16th century and originally referred to a person who imitates another’s actions or appearance. The modern noun and verb senses developed from that older use, with the verb form becoming especially common in descriptions of copying speech, movement, or sounds.
Related word forms
How mimics is actually used
As a noun, the word is often slightly critical or humorous, suggesting that someone's imitation is conspicuous or exaggerated. As a verb, it can be neutral when referring to skilled imitation, but it may imply mockery or inadequate originality.
Easily confused with mimics
A mimic is an individual person or thing that imitates another, whereas mimicry refers to the act or general habit of imitation.
A mime is a performer who communicates through gesture, while a mimic imitates the appearance, actions, voice, or mannerisms of someone or something.