name-dropping

American  

[neym-drop-ing] / ˈneɪmˌdrɒp ɪŋ /

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.

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name-dropping British  

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

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Other Word Forms

• name-dropper
  noun

Etymology

Origin of name-dropping

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

name-dropping

Beyond dispatches from his red-and-white-checkered tablecloth joint and name-dropping, Dan Tana’s memoir outlines his significant contributions to soccer.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2026

He's even been name-dropping experimental Manchester act Durutti Column, known more for instrumental guitar music than stadium-conquering chart hits.

From BBC ● Mar. 4, 2026

The conversation consisted of him endlessly name-dropping and asking zero questions about me.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 3, 2025

The name-dropping may well continue when cross-examination continues Friday.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 25, 2024

I can’t mention anything about this town without Ella name-dropping someone she knows.

From "X: A Novel" by Ilyasah Shabazz