Aper

/ˈeɪ.pər/ noun

Definition

One who apes or imitates; a mimic or copycat.

Etymology

From ape (verb, to imitate) + -er (agent suffix), forming a noun for someone who performs the action. Ape itself comes from Old English apa, and the verb usage developed in the 16th century.

Kelly Says

Aper has an interestingly negative connotation in English—to be an aper suggests you lack originality and are mindlessly copying others, whereas in other cultures mimicry is respected as a learning tool. This reveals something about individualistic vs. collectivist values.

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