mimicry
/ˈmɪmɪkri/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈmɪmɪkri/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈmi-mi-krē/ (ame, mw)
mimicry — noun
1. the act or skill of copying a person's voice, movements, or way of behaving, typ
the act or skill of copying a person's voice, movements, or way of behaving, typically done to entertain or make others laugh
Clara's mimicry of the head teacher was so accurate that even the principal laughed.
mimicry of [person] for comedic effect
For the school talent show, Omar performed a hilarious mimicry of his uncle's way of telling stories.
The comedy duo's vocal mimicry of famous movie stars earned them a spot on national television.
After months of practice, Mei's mimicry of her grandmother's distinctive laugh was finally perfect for the family skit.
At the office party, Elena's mimicry of the boss's nasal voice had everyone in tears.
- imitation
broader term; mimicry implies copying a specific person's behaviour or voice, while imitation can apply to copying anything (sounds, styles, products)
- impersonation
mimicry of a specific individual, usually for comic effect; impersonation often involves adopting the person's identity more fully
- parody
mimicry done to mock or exaggerate a style or work, not necessarily a person's voice or movements
- originality
mimicry copies; originality creates something new
用法筆記
Frequently describes deliberate human performance for amusement. For animal sound-matching in the wild, the term is also used (e.g. birdsong mimicry) but 'vocal mimicry' is more specific.
常見錯誤
2. the natural ability of an animal or plant to resemble another living thing or an
the natural ability of an animal or plant to resemble another living thing or an object in its environment, helping it stay hidden from hunters or gain some other survival advantage
The stick insect's mimicry of a twig makes it almost impossible for birds to spot.
mimicry of [object] for concealment
Some harmless butterflies use mimicry to copy the wing patterns of poisonous species and avoid being eaten.
defensive mimicry for predator avoidance
The orchid's mimicry of a female wasp attracts male wasps that help carry its pollen.
The orchid mantis uses mimicry to look like a flower and trap bees seeking nectar.
Dr. Okonkwo explained that the hoverfly uses Batesian mimicry, copying the appearance of a stinging wasp despite being harmless.
- camouflage
camouflage blends into the background; mimicry specifically copies another creature or object
- disguise
less technical; disguise suggests a deliberate change of appearance rather than an evolved trait
- conspicuousness
mimicry aims to hide; conspicuousness makes an organism stand out
用法筆記
Primarily a biological term. Two well-known sub-types are Batesian mimicry (a harmless species mimics a dangerous one) and Müllerian mimicry (two dangerous species resemble each other). Avoid using 'mimicry' for general colour-change camouflage (e.g. chameleons) — that is true camouflage, not mimicry.