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name-dropping

[ neym-drop-ing ]
/ ˈneɪmˌdrɒp ɪŋ /
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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.
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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
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Origin of name-dropping

First recorded in 1945–50

Words nearby name-dropping

name-calling, namecheck, name day, name-drop, name-dropper, name-dropping, nameless, namely, Namen, name names, name of the game
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use name-dropping in a sentence

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
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
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