Plural of aper; people who imitate or mimic others, especially in a mocking way.
From 'ape' (to imitate) + '-er' suffix (one who does something). Related to the animal ape, which humans have long associated with imitation.
The word 'ape' for imitation comes from watching real apes—humans noticed primates mimicking actions, so we named mimicry after them, even though parrots are arguably better at it.
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