Name-dropping

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Name dropping is the practice of casually inserting the names of important people or institutions into a conversation in order to seem more important to the listener. Name dropping is typically considered to be a negative - even offensive - quality. When used in argument it can be an example of the appeal to authority fallacy.

1 Purposes for name dropping
2 Name dropping in rap music
3 See also
4 Further reading

[edit] Purposes for name dropping

Name dropping is used to position oneself within a social hierarchy. It is often used to create a sense of superiority by raising one's status. By implying (or directly asserting) a connection to people of high status, the name-dropper hopes to raise his or her own social status to a level closer to that of those whose names he or she has dropped, and thus elevate himself or herself above present company.

Name dropping can also be used to identify people with a common bond. By indicating the names of people one knows, one makes known his or her social circle, providing an opportunity for others with similar connections to relate.

Although a common misconception, name dropping does not always have to be linked to people with high status, per se. For example, instead of saying "I went to a friend's house," you could say "I went to Cait Grant's house." This creates an impression (true or not) that you know 'Cait Grant.'

[edit] Name dropping in rap music

An interesting phenomenon is the rise of name dropping in rap music. Rap artists have always been known to drop names in their songs when they send a shout out to other rap artists, ostensibly acquaintances. In recent years, however, they have taken grandstanding to new levels by being seen in their videos driving expensive cars and wearing lots of bling, and in addition to mentioning names of important people, it is now common to mention the names of expensive or elitist brands of clothing, shoes, jewelry, cars, liquors, and even private jets. This phenomenon has come to be known as brand-name dropping.