name-calling

American  

[naym-kaw-ling] / ˈneɪmˌkɔ lɪŋ /

noun

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

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name-calling British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of name-calling

First recorded in 1890–95

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

name-calling

All that name-calling really proves is that one person disagrees.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2026

Jacob Fisher, an independent voter from Atlanta, said he thought calling Trump and Mr Vance “weird” was appropriate and only mildly insulting in an age of political name-calling.

From BBC ● Aug. 10, 2024

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

The No-Name Party wants to put an end to name-calling in school.

From "The Misfits" by James Howe

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Related Words

• insult

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