second self

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of second self¹

First recorded in 1580–90

Example Sentences

This second self, birthed from Elisabeth’s spine in true Cronenbergian fashion, dubs herself Sue and is hired by Harvey to headline a new show with significantly more sex appeal.

From Los Angeles Times

The journal - which included reference to a "second self" called Tulip22 - had an entry that read: "Hiding a body was bad. Moving a body is much more difficult than it looks on TV."

From BBC

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

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

From New York Times

Kirabo’s loneliness is further complicated by a new discovery; she possesses a rebellious “second self” that does “mad things” and flies out of her body in episodes of uncontrollable deviance.

From New York Times