calling names

Hurling mean labels

Calling names is insulting someone by labeling them with offensive or demeaning words: The other kids were calling her names on the playground.

The phrase typically describes verbal bullying or childish taunting rather than adult insults, though it applies to any age.

To call someone names is to engage in this behavior.

Related

derision · nicknames · ridicule · jeer · bullying · sobriquet · stigma · slur · put-down · low blow · moniker · emotional manipulation · sneer · talking smack · power dynamics · vituperation · invective · mudslinging

Opposites
verbal treatment

calling namespraising

Voicing admiration

complimenting · flattering · lauding · extolling · affirming

social behavior

calling namesdefending

Protecting against harm

standing up for · befriending · embracing · welcoming · including

Family

calling, names, call, name, called, calls, caller, callers, named

Familiarity
Top 50,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G