Is it derogatory to say to someone "You are the spitting image of Mr. Brown " (fictitious name, just to give an example).
This is because I feel that "spitting" comes from the verb 'to spit' = to throw liquid out of the mouth.
Thanks and best regards
Antoine Ghannoum
Spitting image
Moderator: EC
-
- Rising Star
- Posts: 56
- Joined: Sat Feb 25, 2023 9:00 am
- Status: Learner of English
- Location: Arab Republic of Egypt
- Josef Essberger
- Admin/Teacher
- Posts: 1798
- Joined: Thu Dec 18, 2003 6:56 am
- Status: Teacher of English
- Location: England
Re: Spitting image
Your concern is logical but in fact it is not at all derogatory and simply emphasises the likeness.toedrika wrote: ↑Fri Apr 07, 2023 4:46 pm Is it derogatory to say to someone "You are the spitting image of Mr. Brown " (fictitious name, just to give an example).
This is because I feel that "spitting" comes from the verb 'to spit' = to throw liquid out of the mouth.
Thanks and best regards
Antoine Ghannoum
English Prepositions List by Josef Essberger
Extremely useful ebook full of examples and visual aids to learn prepositions Inés Barbero
Extremely useful ebook full of examples and visual aids to learn prepositions Inés Barbero
-
- Rising Star
- Posts: 142
- Joined: Mon Mar 20, 2023 12:28 pm
- Status: Teacher of English
- Location: https://www.mrgregenglish.com/
Re: Spitting image
It is a stronger emphasis of 'you look like'. So it can be used negatively or positively depending on the example.
The origin of the saying comes from the DNA of spit. Almost a clone of someone. Though for ESL learners, it is understandable why it is confusing.
The origin of the saying comes from the DNA of spit. Almost a clone of someone. Though for ESL learners, it is understandable why it is confusing.
Owner of http://www.mrgregenglish.com
Writing help: https://www.mrgregenglish.com/writing-examples/
Anchoring script: https://www.mrgregenglish.com/anchoring ... -function/
Writing help: https://www.mrgregenglish.com/writing-examples/
Anchoring script: https://www.mrgregenglish.com/anchoring ... -function/
- gloryclimate
- Member
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Thu Nov 23, 2023 1:19 am
- Status: Learner of English
- Location: https://geometrydashworld.net
Re: Spitting image
I didn't know that statement had such a negative connotation. Thanks for sharing.
- Josef Essberger
- Admin/Teacher
- Posts: 1798
- Joined: Thu Dec 18, 2003 6:56 am
- Status: Teacher of English
- Location: England
Re: Spitting image
It’s not negative. The expression itself is neutral.
As Greg says, it can be used negatively OR positively.
As Greg says, it can be used negatively OR positively.
English Prepositions List by Josef Essberger
Extremely useful ebook full of examples and visual aids to learn prepositions Inés Barbero
Extremely useful ebook full of examples and visual aids to learn prepositions Inés Barbero