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

Kirabo is lucky, the witch insists, because the second self is the nature of the “first woman,” which most women no longer possess.

From New York Times • Sep. 1, 2020

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 monster stepped forward, joining its second self, and put a giant foot through a settee not unlike Conor’s grandma’s.

From "A Monster Calls" by Patrick Ness