split personality
Americannoun
noun
-
the tendency to change rapidly in mood or temperament
-
a nontechnical term for multiple personality
Etymology
Origin of split personality
First recorded in 1925–30
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In grappling with her California split personality, Harris said she coined a term to describe herself: “Sangeleno,” a hybrid identifier combining San Francisco and Los Angeles that does not appear destined to catch on.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 7, 2024
Because of the derivation of the term and because it literally meant "split," people decided schizophrenia meant split personality.
From Salon ● Sep. 8, 2023
Golden State developed a split personality as it proceeded in fits and starts, displaying the pride and potency that marked its dynasty years and a baffling new alter ego that seemed scattered and, frankly, mediocre.
From Washington Post ● Apr. 15, 2023
It’s that split personality — Brillo box or sculpture called “Brillo Box”; sacred icon or landmark painting; investment or museum piece — that gives fArt its charge.
From New York Times ● Mar. 1, 2023
“He’s got a split personality when he puts on that helmet.”
From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
