Spitting image

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toedrika
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Spitting image

Post by toedrika »

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
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Joe
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Re: Spitting image

Post by Joe »

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
Your concern is logical but in fact it is not at all derogatory and simply emphasises the likeness.
"We are not wholly bad or good, who live our lives under Milk Wood :-| " — Dylan Thomas, Under Milk Wood

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Mr Greg
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Re: Spitting image

Post by Mr Greg »

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.
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gloryclimate
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Re: Spitting image

Post by gloryclimate »

I didn't know that statement had such a negative connotation. Thanks for sharing.
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Joe
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Re: Spitting image

Post by Joe »

It’s not negative. The expression itself is neutral.

As Greg says, it can be used negatively OR positively.
"We are not wholly bad or good, who live our lives under Milk Wood :-| " — Dylan Thomas, Under Milk Wood

eBooks: English Prepositions List | Essential Business Words | Learn English in Seven
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