zelig-likehttp://www.oed.com/dictionary/zelig-like_adj%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_useZelig-like, adj.
First published 2004

Zelig-likeadjective

  1. 1983–
    Designating a person who is able to change his or her appearance, behaviour, attitudes, etc., so as to be appropriate in any circumstance, or who is unexpectedly associated with important or famous people; characteristic of such a person. Cf. Zelig n.
    1. 1983
      His comic fiction is laced with Zelig-like figures who bumble their way briefly into chance encounters with the illustrious.
      Texas Monthly September 172/3
    2. 1988
      In retouched photographs in the background he appears Zelig-like in company with Elizabeth Taylor and James Dean.
      New York Times 18 June i. 13/1
    3. 1994
      Whitewater began..as a metaphor for the Zelig-like nature of Clinton's persona... Who is this guy, really?
      Esquire May 44/2
    4. 2003
      Tonken's Zelig-like ability to befriend the stars and twist their arms into attending his events.
      Vanity Fair (New York) August 162/2

Originally published as part of the entry for Zelig, n.

Zelig-like, adj. was first published in December 2004.

Zelig-like, adj. was last modified in June 2024.