body double meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

body double

noun

Etymology The psychological sense was coined by ADHD coach Linda Anderson in 1996.

A film stand-in for an actor, in scenes not involving the face, especially during scenes of nudity, or of dangerous activity.

A political decoy; a person employed to impersonate a politician, in order to draw attention away from the real person or to take risks on their behalf.

Human sciences, Psychology, Sciences A person who is present nearby — or virtually connected to — a person with ADHD in order to increase their attention and focus.

The coach should be prepared to become the client’s [ADDer's] “body double.” Her presence, especially with direct eye contact, sharpens the client’s attention and vigilance1999, Raizi Abby Janus, Mapping Careers with LD and ADD Clients: Guidebook and Case Studies, Columbia University Press, →ISBN, page 211:

body double

verb

Etymology The psychological sense was coined by ADHD coach Linda Anderson in 1996.

› To act as a body double.

To stand in for an actor in a film.

To impersonate a politician in order to draw attention away from the real person or to take risks on their behalf.

Human sciences, Psychology, Sciences To be present nearby, or virtually connected to, a person with ADHD in order to increase their attention and focus.

I suggest that instead of actively attempting to organize Beth, Jack should body double for her. In this new passive role, Jack putters with his own work while Beth organizes her desk.1998, Judith Kolberg, Conquering Chronic Disorganization, 2nd edition, Decatur: Squall Press, published 2006, →ISBN, page 108:

Related terms: stunt double, stuntman, understudy, Hawthorne effect, social facilitation

Entry derived from the Wiktionary, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0 — list of authors.