second self

American  

noun

1. one who associates so closely with a given person as to assume that person's mode of behavior, personality, beliefs, etc.

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Etymology

Origin of second self

First recorded in 1580–90

Example Sentences

Mr Davies said that Ms Beal introduced a "second self" in the journals, who she called Tulip 22, "who is capable of wholly different and darker conduct than her public persona of committed teacher."

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2024

For him, the operation is a means of creating a grief-free second self.

From New York Times • Feb. 17, 2022

In time, Jollett finds that music provides a healthier opportunity to create a second self.

From Washington Post • May 29, 2020

Sarah Koenig was both the first great star and first great character of a fledgling medium, an amateur PI who became her listeners’ second self.

From Slate • Aug. 11, 2019

The peculiar cross-plays of sentiment were noticed by everybody—the King against his second self, and Gareth against his own brothers.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White