namedrop
Flaunt famous friends
To namedrop is to casually mention famous or important people you know (or claim to know) to impress others: He kept namedropping celebrities he'd met at the party.
The practice carries connotations of insecurity or social climbing.
Also spelled as two words: name-drop.
The noun is namedropping or name-dropping.
Casual strategic socializing
- minglingCasual social interaction
- socializingEngaging with others recreationally
- connectionsRelationships between things
- contactsPeople you know professionally
working the room · glad-handing · cocktail party · power lunch · social climbing · leveraging · access
Widely known, much recognized
- starLuminous astronomical object
- VIPNotable, for short
- A-listerTop-tier famous person
- notableWorthy of attention
luminary · dignitary · influencer · superstar · megastar · idol · socialite · mogul
Directing attention elsewhere
- citeMention as authority
- alludeRefer indirectly
- invokeCall upon formally
- bring upIntroduce for discussion
slip in · let slip · throw out · toss around
One who flaunts achievements
- show-offOne who flaunts
- swaggerConfident, boastful manner
- flauntDisplay to provoke envy
- self-promotionPublicizing one's own merits
ostentatious · pompous · arrogant · conceited · smug · grandstanding · haughty · snobbish
schmoozing
Casual strategic socializing
- minglingCasual social interaction
- socializingEngaging with others recreationally
- connectionsRelationships between things
contacts · working the room · glad-handing · cocktail party · power lunch · social climbing · leveraging · access
famous
Widely known, much recognized
notable · luminary · dignitary · influencer · superstar · megastar · idol · socialite · mogul · tycoon
reference
Directing attention elsewhere
bring up · slip in · let slip · throw out · toss around
braggart
One who flaunts achievements
self-promotion · ostentatious · pompous · arrogant · conceited · smug · grandstanding · haughty · snobbish · vain