Advertisement

Advertisement

name-dropping

[ neym-drop-ing ]

noun

  1. the introduction into one's conversation, letters, etc., of the names of famous or important people as alleged friends or associates in order to impress others.


name-dropping

noun

  1. informal.
    the practice of referring frequently to famous or fashionable people, esp as though they were intimate friends, in order to impress others
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


Discover More

Derived Forms

  • ˈname-ˌdropper, noun
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of name-dropping1

First recorded in 1945–50
Discover More

Example Sentences

The former Secretary of State popped in while host Stephen Colbert was taking her to task for name-dropping in the book.

Was it a serious and useful homage to Gramsci, or just materialized name dropping?

Kardashian is one of many celebrities who now command substantial fees for peppering their posts with commercial name-dropping.

The competitive name-dropping soon extended beyond the hot artist to the star dealers.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


name-droppernameless