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Synonyms

name-calling

American  
[neym-kaw-ling] / ˈneɪmˌkɔ lɪŋ /

noun

  1. the use of abusive names to belittle or humiliate another person in a political campaign, an argument, etc.


name-calling British  

noun

  1. verbal abuse, esp as a crude form of argument

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of name-calling

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

The name-calling hit Ayden especially hard, Gatlin said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 22, 2026

The pair have sparred on social media for years, and Trump has responded to his opponent with name-calling.

From BBC ● Oct. 10, 2025

That one word proved surprisingly effective in eviscerating a former president known for name-calling.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 6, 2024

Cavuto questioned the purpose of the name-calling the vice president has faced from Republicans like Kennedy, calling it “petty.”

From Salon ● Jul. 30, 2024

They should’ve known better, since they themselves had to put up with name-calling all the time.

From "The Son of Neptune" by Rick Riordan

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