Names (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
- She tried to ignore the hurtful names they called her during the disagreement.
- Using names to insult someone is a childish tactic and lacks any real intellectual merit.
- The old saying "sticks and stones may break my bones but names can never hurt me" didn't make them feel any better as they walked away.
- The politician's opponents resorted to calling him names rather than addressing the real issues.
- His mother had taught him that when people start using names to attack, it usually means they've lost the argument and are getting desperate.