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.

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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

Example Sentences

Name calling and ad hominem attacks are easy and when you use them it makes it harder to work together.

From The Verge • May 16, 2022

The actor has noted the integral thread of Judaism that runs through "Call Me by Your Name," calling it "a driving force in the film," in a 2017 interview.

From Salon • Oct. 29, 2021

Q. Name calling: My fiancé’s family continues to call me the wrong name—his ex’s name or names that start with the same letter as mine.

From Slate • Nov. 11, 2019

Name calling: Louisville fans call the Cats "Ca-yuts" and Kentucky responds with "Loserville."

From Seattle Times • Mar. 29, 2012

In a bid to seize the high ground, the Mint goes on to say, "Name calling and baseless lawsuits of this type don't serve anyone--certainly not the memory of Princess Diana."

From Time Magazine Archive

Related Words

• insult