まねっこ
まねっこ
noun, suru verb
copycat, imitation
1.
copycat, imitator, imitation
A childish word for someone who copies others, or the act of copying. Often used teasingly among children.
まねっこしないで！
Stop copying me!
あの子はまねっこばかりする。
That child always copies others.
赤ちゃんは大人のまねっこをして成長する。
Babies grow by imitating adults.
KANJI: Can be written as 真似っこ.
WORD FORMATION: 真似 (imitation) + っこ (childish diminutive suffix).
USAGE: Functions as a noun and as a する verb (まねっこする).
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- まねっこする (to copy, to imitate)
- まねっこ遊び (imitation play)
NUANCE: Childish and playful. When used accusingly, it's a mild complaint. Among toddlers, まねっこ is a normal part of development.