There are a few different terms that can be used to describe a person who repeats what you say. Some common names for this type of behavior include “parrot,” “echo,” “copycat,” and “mimicker.” The act of repeating what someone else says is often referred to as “parroting” or “echoing.” While this tendency can sometimes be annoying, in many cases it is a natural part of language development and social interaction. Examining the different names and reasons behind this phenomenon can provide interesting insights into human communication and psychology.
What is an Echo?
An “echo” is the most literal term for someone who repeats or “parrots” what another person says. It refers to the sound reflection caused when sound waves bounce off a surface and return to the listener. For example, when you yell across a canyon, you may hear the echo of your own voice repeated back to you. The word “echo” is used figuratively to describe a person who mindlessly imitates or copies what someone else says without adding any new information. They act like an auditory mirror, reflecting back verbal statements like a canyon wall does sound waves. People who frequently echo others may be referred to as “echoers.”
What is a Parrot?
A “parrot” is another common metaphor for someone who repeats others. It refers to parrots and other birds that can mimic human speech. When a parrot “parrots” you, it is copying your words without necessarily understanding the meaning behind them. People may call someone a “parrot” as a criticism that the person is just mindlessly repeating what someone else said without thinking. The verb “parroting” also refers to the act of merely imitating others’ words. So if someone is “parroting” you, they are imitating you in an empty way, like how a parrot imitates speech.
What is a Copycat?
A “copycat” is similar to a parrot, but focuses more on copying actions and behavior in general, not just speech. When a cat copies the behaviors of another cat, this can be called “copycatting.” For example, kittens often learn skills like hunting mice by copycatting more experienced cats. When applied to humans, “copycat” implies mimicking or repeating another person’s behavior. Unlike parrots, copycats may intentionally imitate others’ actions, words, or styles in order to fit in or gain social status rather than mindlessly repeating. However, excessive copying is still seen negatively as unoriginal.
What is a Mimic?
A “mimic” is someone who copies or imitates others’ behaviors. The word mimicry means imitation, especially in biology. Many insects and animals mimic or copy the physical traits of other species as a survival strategy. This protective mimicry allows them to resemble more dangerous animals and avoid predators. Among humans, mimics copy other people’s speech patterns, body language, manners, style, etc. Sometimes mimicry is unintentional and naturally occurs as a way of fitting in with a group. Other times it is more intentional imitation done for survival, manipulation, or mockery. Either way, excessive mimicry may be seen as strange or suspicious.
Why Do People Repeat What Others Say?
There are many possible reasons why a person might end up parroting, echoing, or mimicking others’ speech and behaviors:
Language Development
Young children naturally repeat words during language acquisition. Imitating others’ speech helps infants and toddlers learn pronunciation, vocabulary, and communication skills. Children also parrot behaviors and actions of peers and adults as they learn social skills. So a degree of “copycatting” is natural and even essential for development. However, at a certain point this mimicking behavior is expected to decline as children develop their own style.
Fitting In
Mimicry serves as a way to build rapport and empathize with others. Matching the tone, delivery, and body language of someone you are interacting with can make them feel heard and understood. Humans subconsciously mimic each other all the time during conversations and social interactions. Intentionally imitating others’ behaviors and speech can also be a survival strategy to better blend in with a group. Mimicking clothes, slang, interests, and manners of a peer group allows people to avoid social rejection and gain group membership.
Flattery
Imitation can sometimes be a form of flattery. Copying someone’s style can indicate admiration, especially in fields like fashion and music. Many new musical artists model their songs after more popular performers. This allows them to emulate their idols while also tapping into an existing fan base. Parroting unique phrases, slang, or jokes from influential comedians or celebrities shows that you are a fan who follows their work closely.
Mockery
Mimicry is also used for mockery and criticism when people want to parody someone’s words or behaviors. Comedians often imitate the speech patterns and mannerisms of politicians as a form of satire. Imitating someone’s voice and expressions in an exaggerated way draws attention to their communications style. This parody pokes fun at the original speaker and points out their verbal eccentricities.
Lack of Original Thought
Mindless parroting can also occur when someone lacks confidence in their own opinions or ideas. If they have nothing original to contribute, it is easier to simply repeat what someone else said. For example, people might echo political talking points or opinions voiced by pundits rather than developing their own stances. Uncritically repeating ideas indicates a lack of independent thinking. The term “echo chamber” refers to situations where people only repeat views from likeminded groups rather than challenging ideas with critical thought.
Memory Issues
Some neurological conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease cause memory loss and language problems. Elderly people with these conditions often repeat phrases or echo questions. Since they cannot remember previous conversations, they end up repeating statements or asking the same questions over and over. Echoing can serve as a coping mechanism when someone has trouble recalling and responding to statements independently.
Autism Spectrum
Children and adults on the autism spectrum may repeat words and phrases spoken by others. This repetitive speech is called echolalia. It occurs because language processing and production areas of the brain are wired differently. Echolalia may be an attempt to self-regulate by repeating familiar phrases when overwhelmed. It can also help autistic people buy time to process questions before responding. While echolalia may seem like mindless mimicking, it serves a purpose in calming, processing, and contributing to conversation for the speaker.
Tourette Syndrome
People with Tourette syndrome experience persistent involuntary tics. These include physical tics like eye blinking as well as vocal tics. Coprolalia is an extreme vocal tic that causes involuntary outbursts of obscene words or socially unacceptable phrases. Coprolalia combines involuntary words and phrases overheard from the external environment. So Tourette’s involves recurrent echoing of inappropriate language and content. This uncontrollable echopraxia is a neurological condition rather than intentional mimicking.
When Does Mimicking Become Problematic?
Some key indicators that mimicry has become excessive or inappropriate include:
– Copying others well beyond the developmental stage where it is normal
– Imitating others in most situations rather than expressing original thoughts
– Repeating another person’s words or behaviors immediately after they occur
– Echoing offensive language or inappropriate content
– Copying others even when it is socially unacceptable or causes problems
– Parroting phrases that do not fit into the context of conversation
– Showing no reduction in mimicking behavior after feedback requesting change
– Inability to interact without extensive copying of others’ speech and manners
If someone’s constant echoing, parroting, or mimicking of others interferes with their relationships and daily functioning, it may signify an underlying psychological or neurological issue. Consulting a mental health professional and speech pathologist can help address the root causes.
Funny Responses to Repeaters
When someone constantly parrots your words in conversation, how you respond depends on the context and your relationship with the person. Here are some funny yet polite retorts:
– “I’m flattered you like repeating what I say, but you can just use your own words.”
– “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but let’s take turns in this conversation.”
– “It sounds like we’ve got a game of copycat going. What original thoughts can you share?”
– “A penny for your own thoughts?”
– “We’ve got a parrot in the house!”
– “Thanks for the encore, but I prefer hearing your own voice.”
– “Let’s take a break from echo canyon and see what else you have to say.”
Using humor and gentle redirection can set boundaries without embarrassing the repeater. If mimicry stems from a medical issue, have compassion. A diagnosis enables accessing treatment to improve communication skills over time.
Conclusion
Many colorful terms like “parrot,” “echo,” “copycat,” and “mimic” exist to describe people who repeat others’ words and behaviors. Some degree of imitation is normal during early development and in social interactions. However, excessive mimicking can become problematic. It may signal issues like lack of confidence, neurologic conditions, or social deficits. While constant repetition can be annoying, respond with patience and care. Seek counseling or medical help if necessary. With understanding and guidance, copycats can learn to communicate more independently.