name-dropping

American  

[neym-drop-ing] / ˈneɪmˌdrɒp ɪŋ /

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.

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name-dropping British  

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

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Other Word Forms

• name-dropper noun

Etymology

Origin of name-dropping

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

He's even been name-dropping experimental Manchester act Durutti Column, known more for instrumental guitar music than stadium-conquering chart hits.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

After his release from prison, he said, he apologized to a number of rap artists, name-dropping Rick Ross, Drake and Nicki Minaj.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 21, 2025

A few years ago Tianna, who is black, also began noticing men name-dropping black feminists they had read during conversation.

From BBC • Oct. 3, 2025

It sets the stage for backstabbing, strained loyalties, romantic possibilities and plenty of name-dropping — albeit with considerably less curse words than the original “Suits.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 17, 2025

I can’t mention anything about this town without Ella name-dropping someone she knows.

From "X: A Novel" by Ilyasah Shabazz