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

A few years ago Tianna, who is black, also began noticing men name-dropping black feminists they had read during conversation.

From BBC • Oct. 3, 2025

Johnson continued to post Instagram videos — some still name-dropping Rogan and some filmed while he’s in a shower — throughout the day, even after he arrived at the hotel in Austin.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 25, 2025

That's as close as you'll get to me name-dropping a footballer by the way.

From BBC • Feb. 29, 2024

Combs’ attorney Shawn Holley said in a statement that Jones’ “reckless name-dropping about events that are pure fiction and simply did not happen is nothing more than a transparent attempt to garner headlines.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 28, 2024

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

From "X: A Novel" by Ilyasah Shabazz