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 former Secretary of State popped in while host Stephen Colbert was taking her to task for name-dropping in the book.

From The Daily Beast

Was it a serious and useful homage to Gramsci, or just materialized name dropping?

From The Daily Beast

Kardashian is one of many celebrities who now command substantial fees for peppering their posts with commercial name-dropping.

From The Daily Beast

The competitive name-dropping soon extended beyond the hot artist to the star dealers.

From The Daily Beast