Name Calling (Noun)
Meaning
Verbal abuse; a crude substitute for argument; "sticks and stones may break my bones but names can never hurt me".
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The politician's speech quickly devolved into name-calling, with neither side able to muster a coherent argument.
- Name-calling is a common form of verbal abuse in online forums, where anonymous posters feel empowered to insult others without consequences.
- Children are often taught that "sticks and stones may break my bones, but names can never hurt me," but in reality, name-calling can have a profound impact on a child's self-esteem.
- The debate moderator struggled to keep the discussion civil, as the two opponents resorted to name-calling rather than addressing the issues at hand.
- When confronted with criticism, the celebrity lashed out at her detractors with vicious name-calling, rather than engaging in a constructive dialogue.