spitting image

USAGE SUMMARY

"spitting image" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe someone or something that looks exactly like another person or thing, often a family member. For example, "She was his grandmother's spitting image!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

No, Frank it's "spitting image"!

The Guardian - Opinion

"Spitting image," said Roger Smith, Stephens's coach.

The New York Times - Sports

Coke, drink, Spitting Image, Alan Partridge..

The Guardian - Books

AN NBC press release gingerly describes "Spitting Image" as irreverent.

The New York Times - Arts

Usurped by Spitting Image and The Chicken Song.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

With makeup on she's spitting image of mother.

The New Yorker

Spitting Image 37. Stars in Their Eyes 38.

The Guardian

"You are her spitting image," a friendly auntie would remark while stroking my head.

The New Yorker

Spitting Image was always an expensive show to make, requiring the production of hundreds of puppets.

The Guardian

The last pair to be marooned together were Spitting Image creators Fluck and Law, in 1987.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This is no Spitting Image-style hatchet job, though.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spitting image" when emphasizing a near-identical resemblance, particularly in physical appearance. For nuanced comparisons, consider other terms like "resemblance" or "likeness".

Common error

Avoid assuming the phrase has a literal connection to spitting. "Spitting image" refers to a strong likeness, not any action involving spitting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spitting image" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a predicate nominative or object complement. It describes a person or thing that bears a very close resemblance to another. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Reference

6%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "spitting image" is a common and generally accepted expression used to describe a very close resemblance between two people or things, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a noun phrase and is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While generally considered informal, it's widely understood and used. Be mindful of its etymology to avoid misuse. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "exact likeness". Overall, "spitting image" is a useful and vivid way to emphasize a strong resemblance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

carbon copy

This phrase indicates an exact duplicate or replica.

dead ringer

Implies a striking and unmistakable resemblance.

the very picture of

Suggests an idealized or quintessential likeness.

look-alike

Refers to someone who closely resembles another person, often a celebrity.

double

Indicates a person who could be mistaken for another.

image of

Simple expression indicating resemblance.

exact likeness

Highlights the precise similarity in appearance.

twin

Suggests a very close resemblance, like that of twins.

resemblance

A similarity in appearance or qualities.

duplicate

Implies an exact copy.

FAQs

How to use "spitting image" in a sentence?

You can use "spitting image" to describe someone who looks exactly like another person. For example, "She is the spitting image of her mother".

What can I say instead of "spitting image"?

You can use alternatives like "dead ringer", "carbon copy", or "exact likeness" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "spitting image" or "spit and image"?

"Spitting image" is the correct phrase. "Spit and image" is a mondegreen, a mishearing of the original phrase, although "spit and image" does allude to the idea of something being 'the spit' of another.

Is "spitting image" formal or informal?

"Spitting image" is generally considered informal but is acceptable in most contexts, including news and media. More formal alternatives might include "exact likeness".