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

---

Etymology

Origin of name-calling

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

One of the concerns raised by the regulator was a section in the policy which said that harassment or bullying including intrusive behaviour, name calling or derogatory jokes were serious disciplinary offences.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2025

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

Expect brief verbal arguments between family and friends, but no name calling.

From Washington Post • Mar. 24, 2023

"They're a little bit at a stalemate, so I think the other thing that's happening is the name calling is getting ratcheted up within the party."

From Salon • Jan. 4, 2023

It’s as though she were saying it deliberately, Eleanor thought, telling the house she knows its name, calling the house to tell it where we are; is it bravado?

From "The Haunting of Hill House" by Shirley Jackson

Related Words

• insult