When it comes to expressing the act of imitating or copying someone or something, finding the right words can be a bit tricky. But fear not, we’ve got you covered! Our team has put together a list of top slang terms for emulate that will not only help you sound cool but also keep you in the loop with the latest linguistic trends. So, buckle up and get ready to level up your vocabulary game!
Click above to generate some slangs
1. Copycat
To copy someone’s actions, behavior, or style. It often implies a lack of originality or creativity.
- For example, “She’s such a copycat, always wearing the same clothes as me.”
- In a playful context, someone might say, “Copycat! You’re just trying to be like me.”
- A person might accuse someone of being a copycat by saying, “Stop copying everything I do, it’s annoying.”
2. Mirror
To closely imitate or replicate the actions, behavior, or style of someone or something.
- For instance, “She mirrored her favorite celebrity’s fashion choices.”
- In a professional setting, a manager might say, “Try to mirror the behavior of successful employees.”
- A person might advise someone, “If you want to fit in with the group, try to mirror their actions and interests.”
3. Follow suit
To imitate or emulate the actions or behavior of someone else, especially when it is seen as the appropriate or expected thing to do.
- For example, “When one person started clapping, the rest of the audience followed suit.”
- In a work setting, someone might say, “If your colleague is taking a break, you should follow suit.”
- A person might encourage others by saying, “If one person can achieve success, we can all follow suit.”
4. Model after
To create or design something based on the characteristics, qualities, or style of a particular person or thing.
- For instance, “The artist modeled her painting after a famous masterpiece.”
- In a business context, a company might say, “We want to model our customer service after industry leaders.”
- A person might suggest, “If you’re looking for inspiration, you should model your writing after your favorite author.”
5. Mimic
To imitate or copy someone’s actions, speech, or mannerisms, often with the intention of humorously exaggerating or mocking them.
- For example, “He can mimic anyone’s voice perfectly.”
- In a comedy show, a performer might mimic famous celebrities or politicians for entertainment.
- A person might compliment someone’s ability to mimic by saying, “You’re so good at mimicking accents, it’s impressive.”
6. Embody
When someone embodies a certain trait, they fully represent or personify that trait.
- For example, a leader might embody confidence and inspire others to be more self-assured.
- In a discussion about role models, someone might say, “Michelle Obama embodies grace and strength.”
- A writer might strive to create a character who embodies resilience and determination.
7. Match
When someone matches something, they recreate or replicate it to be similar or identical.
- For instance, a designer might try to match a specific color for a project.
- In a conversation about fashion, someone might say, “I love how your shoes match your dress.”
- A cook might attempt to match the flavor of a dish they had at a restaurant.
8. Echo
When something echoes, it imitates or reflects the qualities or characteristics of someone or something.
- For example, a song might echo the style of a certain artist.
- In a discussion about trends, someone might say, “This fashion trend is really echoing the 90s.”
- A writer might create a character whose actions echo those of a historical figure.
9. Emulate
When someone emulates someone or something, they strive to equal or surpass their qualities or achievements.
- For instance, a young basketball player might strive to emulate the skills of their favorite player.
- In a conversation about success, someone might say, “I admire how she emulates the work ethic of her role model.”
- A student might try to emulate the study habits of a top-performing classmate.
10. Imitate
When someone imitates something, they copy or mimic its actions, behavior, or appearance.
- For example, a child might imitate the way their parent speaks or walks.
- In a discussion about art, someone might say, “The artist perfectly imitated the style of the Renaissance.”
- A comedian might imitate the mannerisms and voice of a famous celebrity.
11. Replicate
To imitate or duplicate something, often with the goal of achieving the same result. “Replicate” can refer to recreating the actions, behavior, or appearance of someone or something.
- For example, a scientist might say, “We need to replicate the experiment to confirm the results.”
- In the context of art, someone might comment, “The artist was able to replicate the famous painting with incredible accuracy.”
- A person discussing fashion might say, “I love how she replicated that celebrity’s outfit.”
12. Mirror image
This phrase refers to something that is an exact or very close copy of something else. It implies that the two things are so similar that they could be reflections of each other.
- For instance, a person might say, “The second painting is a mirror image of the first.”
- In a discussion about twins, someone might comment, “They look like mirror images of each other.”
- A person might describe a situation by saying, “The two teams’ strategies were mirror images of each other.”
13. Follow in footsteps
To imitate or follow the example set by someone else. This phrase suggests that the person is following a similar path or pursuing similar goals as the person they are emulating.
- For example, a young musician might say, “I hope to follow in the footsteps of my favorite artist.”
- In a discussion about career choices, someone might comment, “She decided to follow in her father’s footsteps and become a doctor.”
- A person might describe a child by saying, “He’s following in his older sibling’s footsteps and joining the same sports team.”
14. Take after
To have similar qualities, characteristics, or traits as someone else, often a family member. This phrase suggests that the person is similar to the person they are emulating in some way.
- For instance, a person might say, “She really takes after her mother – they have the same sense of humor.”
- In a discussion about talent, someone might comment, “He definitely takes after his father in terms of musical ability.”
- A person might describe a child by saying, “He takes after his grandfather with his love for gardening.”
15. Be a chip off the old block
This phrase describes someone who closely resembles their parent, often in terms of personality or behavior. It suggests that the person is following in the footsteps of their parent.
- For example, a person might say, “He’s a chip off the old block – just like his father.”
- In a discussion about family dynamics, someone might comment, “The youngest sibling is a chip off the old block – they’re just as mischievous as their older siblings.”
- A person might describe a child by saying, “She’s definitely a chip off the old block – she has the same determination as her mother.”
16. Do like
To imitate or copy someone’s actions or behavior.
- For example, “She always does like her favorite celebrity, copying their style and mannerisms.”
- In a conversation about learning new skills, someone might say, “If you want to improve, start by doing like the experts in that field.”
- A friend might jokingly say, “Stop doing like me, you’re stealing my moves!”
17. Xerox
To make a direct copy or reproduction of something.
- For instance, “He xeroxed the document to distribute it to the team.”
- In a discussion about plagiarism, someone might say, “Copying someone else’s work is like xeroxing their ideas.”
- A student might ask, “Can I xerox your notes? I missed the lecture.”
18. Parrot
To repeat someone’s words or actions without understanding or thinking about them.
- For example, “He just parrots what the teacher says without really understanding the concepts.”
- In a conversation about originality, someone might comment, “Don’t be a parrot, come up with your own ideas.”
- A parent might tell their child, “Stop parroting everything your older sibling says.”
19. Aping
To imitate or mimic someone’s behavior or actions, often in a mocking or exaggerated way.
- For instance, “He was aping the dance moves from the music video.”
- In a discussion about comedy, someone might say, “Good comedians are masters at aping different accents and mannerisms.”
- A friend might playfully tease, “Why are you aping me? Get your own style!”
20. Simulate
To create a similar or imitation version of something.
- For example, “The flight simulator accurately simulates the experience of flying.”
- In a conversation about virtual reality, someone might say, “The game simulates real-life scenarios with impressive graphics.”
- A scientist might explain, “By simulating the conditions of outer space, we can study the effects on astronauts.”
21. Reflect
To imitate or mimic someone’s behavior or actions. When someone reflects another person, they are attempting to emulate their mannerisms or style.
- For example, a person might say, “She really reflects her favorite celebrity in the way she dresses and acts.”
- In a discussion about role models, someone might say, “I try to reflect the positive qualities of my parents.”
- A friend might compliment another by saying, “You really reflect confidence in the way you carry yourself.”
22. Impersonate
To pretend to be someone else, often for entertainment or deceptive purposes. When someone impersonates another person, they imitate their appearance, voice, or mannerisms.
- For instance, in a comedy skit, a performer might impersonate a famous celebrity.
- In a discussion about identity theft, someone might say, “Criminals can impersonate others to gain access to personal information.”
- A friend might jokingly say, “You do a great job impersonating our boss during meetings.”
23. Appear like
To give the impression or look of being similar to someone or something else. When someone appears like another person, they are trying to emulate their characteristics or behavior.
- For example, a person might say, “He appears like a younger version of his father.”
- In a conversation about fashion, someone might comment, “Her outfit appears like something out of a magazine.”
- A friend might ask, “Do I appear like someone who would enjoy hiking?”
24. Act like
To imitate or mimic someone’s actions or behavior. When someone acts like another person, they are trying to emulate their mannerisms or personality.
- For instance, a child might act like their favorite superhero while playing.
- In a discussion about cultural appropriation, someone might say, “It’s important not to act like a different race or culture for personal gain.”
- A friend might comment, “You really act like a natural leader in group settings.”
25. Be like
To embody or imitate the qualities or characteristics of someone else. When someone is like another person, they are trying to emulate their behavior or attitude.
- For example, a person might say, “She’s always trying to be like her older sister.”
- In a conversation about influential figures, someone might say, “I try to be like my favorite author in my own writing.”
- A friend might ask, “Can you teach me how to be like you in social situations?”
26. Play copycat
When someone “plays copycat,” they are imitating or copying someone else’s actions or behavior. This term is often used in a playful or lighthearted manner.
- For example, a child might say, “I’m going to play copycat and do everything you do!”
- In a group setting, someone might jokingly say, “Don’t be a copycat and steal my ideas.”
- A friend might tease another by saying, “You’re such a copycat, always trying to be like me!”
27. Imitative
When someone is described as “imitative,” it means they are copying or mimicking someone or something. This term can be used to describe behavior, actions, or even artistic styles.
- For instance, in the art world, a critic might say, “The artist’s work is imitative of Picasso’s style.”
- In a social setting, someone might comment, “She’s always imitative, never coming up with her own ideas.”
- A teacher might warn a student, “Don’t be imitative of others, find your own unique voice.”