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

Turns out Greene herself could not say her name, calling her "Lincoln Riley" instead of "Laken Riley" in an interview with NewsNation.

From Salon • Mar. 12, 2024

Earlier Saturday, at an appearance in Coralville, Haley flubbed the Iowa star’s name, calling her “Caitlin Collins,” perhaps with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins in mind.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 30, 2023

Many will argue that puerile name calling and personal abuse have no place in politics.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2023

The Smithsonian didn’t delve into feral revenge scenarios or name calling or primal instincts.

From Washington Post • Feb. 13, 2023

“Now, now. All that name calling is beneath you.”

From "The Last Last-Day-of-Summer" by Lamar Giles

Related Words

• insult