sosie

Sosie is a term from French that denotes a look-alike or double. In English-language writing, the word is uncommon and typically appears in historical, literary, or stylistic contexts to refer to a person who closely resembles another, whether as an impersonator or in cases of mistaken identity. The closest English equivalents are look-alike, double, or doppelgänger.

Etymology and history: Sosie derives from the French word sosie, conveying a sense of resemblance or copy. The precise origin is uncertain; some scholars note connections to classical language or names, while others treat sosie as a native French formation used to describe a genuine double or an impersonator. In early modern French, sosie could refer to a real double or to someone acting as a substitute or imitator.

Usage: In contemporary French, sosie remains the standard term for a look-alike. In English, usage is limited to translated texts, linguistic descriptions, or stylistic writing that seeks a French nuance or historical tone. In cinema and theater, a person who serves as a double for a performer may be described as a sosie in French contexts, while English texts would typically use look-alike or double.

See also: Doppelgänger, Look-alike, Impersonation.