name-dropping

[ neym-drop-ing ]
/ ˈneɪmˌdrɒp ɪŋ /

noun

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.

Origin of name-dropping

First recorded in 1945–50

Definition for name-dropping (2 of 2)

name-drop
[ neym-drop ]
/ ˈneɪmˌdrɒp /

verb (used without object), name-dropped, name-drop·ping.

to indulge in name-dropping.

Origin of name-drop

First recorded in 1950–55

Example sentences from the Web for name-dropping

British Dictionary definitions for name-dropping

name-dropping

noun

informal the practice of referring frequently to famous or fashionable people, esp as though they were intimate friends, in order to impress others

Derived forms of name-dropping

name-dropper, noun