Is It Spitting Image or Splitting |Meaning & Origin

Is it spitting image or splitting? Find out the correct phrase, its meaning, and why people often confuse the two in this quick explanation.

The correct phrase is “spitting image,” which is used to describe someone who looks like an exact copy of another person. Most often, it’s used to highlight a familial resemblance—for example, between a mother and daughter or a father and son—but it can apply to any two people who look strikingly similar.

On the other hand, some people mistakenly believe that the phrase should be “splitting image.” This is not correct, though it might sound plausible at first. So, let’s dig deeper into why “spitting image” is the accepted form.

Why Is It “Spitting Image” and Not “Splitting Image”?

According to The Cambridge Dictionary, the phrase “splitting image” doesn’t exist in formal English usage. The correct phrase is “spitting image,” which means “to look extremely similar to someone else.” While the idea of a “splitting image”—as though someone’s likeness has been split into two—is understandable, it is incorrect. The phrase “spitting image” has a long history that solidifies its place as the correct expression.

10 Examples Using “Spitting Image”:

• John is the spitting image of his father; they look exactly alike.
• When I saw the old photos, I realized I’m the spitting image of my grandmother.
• Everyone says that you’re the spitting image of your brother!
• The twins are so identical, they are truly the spitting image of each other.
• Lisa is the spitting image of her mom, with the same smile and eyes.
• My cousin is the spitting image of our uncle—it’s uncanny!
• People always tell me that I’m the spitting image of my dad.
• Even though they’re not related, Mark is the spitting image of his best friend.
• I saw an actor on TV who was the spitting image of my college professor.
• Every time I look at my daughter, I see the spitting image of my younger self.

10 Examples Using “Splitting Image” (Incorrect):

• John is the splitting image of his father.
• You’re the splitting image of your older sister.
• People often tell me I’m the splitting image of my mother.
• The two boys are the splitting image of each other.
• She’s the splitting image of her grandmother.
• Everyone says my brother is the splitting image of our dad.
• I can’t believe how much she’s the splitting image of her aunt.
• They say I’m the splitting image of my great-grandfather.
• My best friend is the splitting image of that celebrity.
• Looking at that photo, you’re the splitting image of a famous singer.

How Common Is the Use of “Splitting Image” and Is It Accepted?

Despite its incorrectness, “splitting image” is sometimes used because people interpret the meaning as a visual metaphor. They imagine that when two people look alike, it’s as though an image has been split in two, creating two identical copies. This misunderstanding has caused the incorrect version to gain some traction in recent years.

Looking at language trends, we can see that while “spitting image” continues to be the dominant version of the phrase, “splitting image” has seen a slight rise in use, especially in the 2000s. It’s still not the correct phrase, but it’s possible that over time, “splitting image” could gain broader acceptance—similar to how some incorrect forms of expressions like “should of” instead of “should have” have slowly crept into informal usage.

The Plausibility of “Splitting Image”

While “spitting image” remains the correct phrase, it’s easy to see why people might think “splitting image” makes sense. When people look alike, the concept of an image being split to create two similar figures seems logical. This false reasoning leads some people to prefer “splitting image,” and as with many idioms, over time the incorrect form could become more widespread. However, for now, “spitting image” is the only standard and widely accepted usage.

Younger generations, who might not be as familiar with the idiom’s origins, may be more inclined to use “splitting image” in casual speech, which could drive a slow shift in common usage over time. However, traditionalists and people familiar with the origins of the phrase are likely to stick with “spitting image.”

What Does “Spitting Image” Mean?

“Spitting image” means that two people look identical or very similar. The phrase can be used in various contexts but is most often used to describe family resemblance. For instance, if a child looks just like their parent, we would say they are the “spitting image” of that parent. However, it can also apply to look-alikes outside of family relations, such as a person resembling a celebrity.

Interestingly, there’s an older version of the phrase, “spit and image,” which also relates to family resemblance. This stems from the idea that a parent “spat” and the child came out looking exactly like them. While less commonly used today, “spit and image” provides a clue about the historical origins of “spitting image.”

Examples of “Spitting Image” in a Sentence

Here are a few examples to demonstrate the correct usage of the phrase in everyday conversation:

• “His son is the spitting image of him.”
• “Has anyone ever told you that you are the spitting image of Elton John?”
• “You two are the spitting image of each other! How are you not related?”
• “Wow, you must be sisters! You’re the spitting image of each other!”
• “People tell me that I’m the spitting image of my father.”

Note that when using “spitting image,” we always place “the” in front of the phrase, never “a.” This is because the phrase implies a unique comparison between two people, making “the” the most appropriate determiner.

The Origin of “Spitting Image”

To fully understand why we use “spitting image,” it helps to look at the evolution of the phrase.

The Original Metaphor (1689)

The original metaphor dates back to 1689, where the expression “it’s like he was spat out of his father’s mouth” was used to describe a father and son who looked exactly alike. The idea is that the son’s appearance was directly produced by the father—almost as if he was a copy created through spitting. The notion of someone being “spat out” from another reinforces the familial connection and the idea of identical resemblance.

Metonymy (1825)

As the saying evolved, it underwent a process called metonymy, where part of the original phrase was dropped, but the meaning remained intact. By 1825, the phrase had been shortened to “he’s the very spit of his father.” This version of the phrase started dropping the direct mention of being “spat out” and focused instead on the likeness.

Idiom (1859)

The phrase then evolved into the idiom “the spit and image of his father” by 1859. This is the closest step to the modern “spitting image.” When you say it aloud, “spit and image” sounds very similar to “spitting image,” which likely led to the next stage in its development.

Corruption (1878)

By 1878, a corrupted version, “spitten image,” emerged. Although this form didn’t stick around for long, it was a key transitional step between “spit and image” and the phrase we use today.

The Final Version (1901)

By 1901, the phrase “spitting image” had fully formed and become the standard. It has been in use ever since and continues to be the most widely accepted way of describing someone who looks just like another person. Despite the recent rise in usage of “splitting image,” “spitting image” remains the dominant form.

The Future of the Phrase

While “spitting image” is still the correct and accepted phrase today, language is always evolving. Over time, we may see “splitting image” gain more acceptance due to its plausibility. However, for now, stick with “spitting image” to ensure correctness in both written and spoken English.

FAQs:

What is the correct phrase: “spitting image” or “splitting image”?

The correct phrase is “spitting image.” It is used to describe someone who looks almost identical to another person, usually within a family. The term “splitting image” is a misinterpretation that has gained some popularity but is not considered correct. “Spitting image” has been in use since 1901 and traces back to even earlier forms of the expression. Stick with “spitting image” for proper usage.

Why do some people think it should be “splitting image”?

The confusion comes from the visual metaphor of an image being “split” into two, making it seem logical to some that “splitting image” could mean two people who look alike. However, this reasoning overlooks the historical origin of the phrase, which is based on a familial connection and the metaphor of being “spat out” of one’s parent. While “splitting image” may sound plausible, it lacks the depth of the original meaning.

What is the origin of the phrase “spitting image”?

The phrase “spitting image” evolved from an older saying, “spit and image,” which originated in the late 17th century. The original metaphor implied that someone looked so much like their parent that they seemed to be “spat out” from their mouth. Over time, this expression was shortened and transformed, first to “spit and image” in 1859, then finally to “spitting image” by 1901. The phrase has endured for more than a century.

Is it possible that “splitting image” will become acceptable?

While “splitting image” is not currently correct, language evolves over time, and it’s not impossible that it could gain wider acceptance in the future. Already, incorrect forms of other phrases, such as “should of” instead of “should have,” have become more common in informal speech. However, for now, it’s important to use “spitting image” if you want to follow proper linguistic standards.

How do you correctly use “spitting image” in a sentence?

When using “spitting image” in a sentence, it’s important to include the word “the” before it. For example: “She is the spitting image of her mother.” It should always be preceded by “the” because it refers to a unique resemblance between two people. Other examples include: “He’s the spitting image of his father” or “They are the spitting image of each other.”

What is the significance of understanding idioms like “spitting image”?

Understanding idioms like “spitting image” allows us to appreciate the richness and history of the English language. These phrases often carry cultural meanings and stories that connect us to the past. Knowing the correct form and usage also ensures clearer communication and helps avoid confusion. Idioms are an important part of language learning, giving insight into how people have expressed ideas over centuries.

Conclusion:

Language is ever-evolving, and phrases like “spitting image” showcase the fascinating journey of words through time. While we may see misinterpretations like “splitting image” gaining popularity, understanding the roots of an idiom helps preserve its true meaning. As speakers of English, it’s important to embrace both the history and the future of the language, recognizing that idioms carry stories of their own. Whether “spitting image” remains dominant or “splitting image” rises, we must stay connected to the origins of words. As Mark Twain said, “The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.“