Etymology Journal ยท A
A leopard can't change its spots
Meaning
- This means that people cannot change their basic nature, even if they try very hard. It suggests that a person's character is permanent.
Fatalistic, cynical
Used in a sentence
- He promised he would be on time for once, but a leopard cannot change its spots.
- I know he said he changed, but a leopard cannot change its spots.
- She kept stealing the office supplies; I guess a leopard cannot change its spots.
The backstory
This is a biblical reference from the book of Jeremiah, which asks if a leopard can change its spots. It has been used to describe human behavior for centuries.
Heard in
Nationwide
Vibe check