namecalling
Insults using labels
Namecalling is the practice of using insulting or derogatory labels to attack someone: The debate devolved into namecalling.
It's a common tactic in arguments, playground disputes, and political discourse—substituting insults for substantive engagement.
The term itself often appears as a complaint: Let's stick to the issues and avoid namecalling.
Also spelled name-calling.
Scornful ridicule or travesty
- ridiculeContemptuous mocking treatment
- put-downDisparaging remark
- jeerVocal expression of scorn
- tauntInsulting provocation
sneer · jibe · scoff · heckle · derision · scorn · slight · dig
Aggressive, unwanted targeting
- teasingPlayful, mild ridicule
- mockeryScornful ridicule or travesty
- abuseCruel or violent treatment
- intimidationDeliberate fear-inducing pressure
belittling · shaming · victimization · cruelty · meanness · torment · humiliation · cyberbullying
Term expressing disapproval
- epithetDescriptive tag for someone
- slurInsulting group label
- denigrationUnjust attack on reputation
- disparagementCriticism meant to diminish
stigma · derogatory · offensive · racist · sexist · homophobic · ethnic · xenophobic
Spoken false defamation
- libelPrinted defamation
- smearSpread or defame
- vilificationAbusive condemnation of someone
- aspersionDefamatory remark
calumny · mudslinging · character assassination · false accusation · reputation · maligning · traducing · badmouthing
mockery
Scornful ridicule or travesty
taunt · sneer · jibe · scoff · heckle · derision · scorn · slight · dig · barb
harassment
Aggressive, unwanted targeting
intimidation · belittling · shaming · victimization · cruelty · meanness · torment · humiliation · cyberbullying · verbal abuse
pejorative
Term expressing disapproval
- epithetDescriptive tag for someone
- slurInsulting group label
- denigrationUnjust attack on reputation
disparagement · stigma · derogatory · offensive · racist · sexist · homophobic · ethnic · xenophobic · ableist
slander
Spoken false defamation
- libelPrinted defamation
- smearSpread or defame
- vilificationAbusive condemnation of someone
aspersion · calumny · mudslinging · character assassination · false accusation · reputation · maligning · traducing · badmouthing · gossip
namecallingpraise
Expression of approval
complimenting · flattery · commendation · encouragement · kind words
namecallingreasoned argument
Position backed by logic
constructive criticism · rational discourse · intellectual rigor
namecallingcivility
Formal politeness in conduct
respect · courtesy · politeness · graciousness · decorum
name, call, calling, names, named, naming, nameless, namely, nickname