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

Thankfully, the book also does not shy away from some serious A-list name-dropping.

From BBC ● Sep. 8, 2026

The name-dropping is relentless and if, like me, you have an insatiable appetite for hoovering them up, this volume will not disappoint.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 27, 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

He talked about Rwanda, Venezuela and China — and occasionally dropped in references to the United States, at one point name-dropping Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 16, 2025

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

From "X: A Novel" by Ilyasah Shabazz