name-dropping

[ neym-drop-ing ]

noun

1. the introduction into one's conversation, letters, etc., of the names of famous or important people as alleged friends or associates in order to impress others.

name-dropping

noun

1. informal.
   the practice of referring frequently to famous or fashionable people, esp as though they were intimate friends, in order to impress others

Derived Forms

• ˈname-ˌdropper, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of name-dropping¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

The bad news is, and this is funny — I’m name-dropping — but David Coverdale texts me funny things all the time; I’ve been friends with him a long time.

From Los Angeles Times

I found the clinging to celebrity and the name-dropping uncomfortable and I found myself embarrassed for my father, which is a terrible feeling.

From Los Angeles Times

As Max Pizarro reported, Trump “brought his cruel, weird, hateful, indicted, egomaniacal, name-dropping TV personality brand to Wildwood, apparently trying to take advantage of perennial New Jersey dysfunction, while entertaining his own public delusion.”

From Salon

The name-dropping may well continue when cross-examination continues Friday.

From Seattle Times

Combs’ attorney Shawn Holley said in a statement that Jones’ “reckless name-dropping about events that are pure fiction and simply did not happen is nothing more than a transparent attempt to garner headlines.”

From Los Angeles Times