Spitting image

toedrika · Post by **toedrika** » 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

Joe · Post by **Joe** » Fri Apr 07, 2023 6:39 pm

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.

Mr Greg · Post by **Mr Greg** » Tue Apr 11, 2023 1:58 am

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.

gloryclimate · Post by **gloryclimate** » Thu Nov 23, 2023 1:21 am

I didn't know that statement had such a negative connotation. Thanks for sharing.

Joe · Post by **Joe** » Thu Nov 23, 2023 1:38 am

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

As Greg says, it can be used negatively OR positively.

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Spitting image

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