The phrase "Jekyll and Hyde" refers to a person who has two opposing personalities, much like the title character from Robert Louis Stevenson's novel "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." Phonetically, "Jekyll" is pronounced as /ˈdʒɛkəl/ with a hard "J" sound and emphasis on the first syllable. "Hyde" is pronounced as /haɪd/ with a long "I" sound and emphasis on the second syllable. The correct spelling is important for accurately conveying the meaning of the phrase.
Jekyll and Hyde refers to a character or individual who exhibits two contrasting or diametrically opposite personalities or behaviors. Derived from the titular characters in Robert Louis Stevenson's novella "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," the term is often used figuratively to describe someone who has a dual nature or displays extreme polarities in their behavior.
The Jekyll and Hyde syndrome occurs when there is an evident dissociation between an individual's public persona and their private or hidden persona. The public persona is usually perceived as polite, kind, and well-mannered, while the hidden persona may display traits such as aggression, violence, or even criminal tendencies. This term is frequently utilized to describe individuals who seem perfectly normal and amicable on the surface but possess an underlying dark side that emerges unexpectedly.
The Jekyll and Hyde phenomenon is characterized by sudden shifts in temperament or behavior, creating a stark contrast between the person's dual sides. This split personality can manifest in a variety of ways, including mood swings, drastic changes in attitude, and even changes in physical appearance. It is often associated with individuals struggling with psychological disorders such as dissociative identity disorder or psychopathy.
In a broader sense, the term "Jekyll and Hyde" is also used metaphorically to describe any situation or entity that exhibits conflicting or contradictory traits or characteristics. It signifies a duality that exists within a person or thing, where two contrasting aspects or personalities coexist, often leading to unpredictable or bewildering behavior.