call names

Idioms and Phrases

Verbally abuse someone, use offensive epithets, as in The teacher told the children to stop calling names . This idiom was first recorded in the late 1600s but Shakespeare used a similar expression earlier in Richard III (1:3): “That thou hadst called me all these bitter names.”

Example Sentences

The friends were even given military call names - Elf, Bay and Airplane.

From The Daily Beast

She knew her mistress was very "particular," and did not allow any one in her house to "call names."

From Project Gutenberg

We never know, when we call names, what sore spots we may be hitting.

From Project Gutenberg

Serena did not relish being called an invention of the evil one, herself, but it does not do to call names at a phonograph.

From Project Gutenberg

"Just because their business methods don't agree with your peculiar ideas is no reason why you should call names," she flared.

From Project Gutenberg

People always quarrel over that question, and call names, and never agree.

From Project Gutenberg