Apish

Characterized by imitation, especially foolish or clumsy mimicry; acting in a way that resembles a monkey, either physically or in behavior; characterized by a desire to imitate or emulate others, often without understanding the underlying principles or meaning of the original. It often implies a lack of originality and a tendency to copy superficially. The term can suggest silliness, superficiality, or a lack of genuine understanding.

Apish meaning with examples

• The young apprentice's attempts at replicating the master craftsman's techniques were rather apish. He struggled to grasp the subtleties, resulting in a clumsy and imperfect execution of each task. He was a mirror, merely copying movements without comprehending their purpose or the principles behind them, highlighting the disconnect between imitation and true skill.
• The politician's apish imitation of the popular leader's mannerisms and slogans was widely criticized. Critics saw it as insincere and devoid of genuine conviction, an attempt to ride the coattails of popularity rather than offering a unique perspective. His adoption of the mannerisms was clearly superficial and a transparent attempt to gain favor.
• Children often display apish behavior, mimicking the actions and speech of their parents or siblings. They may repeat phrases and gestures without fully understanding their meaning, purely motivated by the desire to fit in and gain approval. This is a fundamental aspect of their learning and socialization process.
• The fashion designer's collection was criticized for being apish. Critics said it was a shallow copy of previous successful designs rather than an innovative vision of its own. Lacking creativity and originality, this attempt showed an uninspired rehashing, thus confirming the accusations of a purely imitative approach.