on a first-name basis
Informally addressing someone
On a first-name basis describes a relationship familiar enough that people address each other by first names rather than titles and surnames.
It suggests informality and at least moderate closeness: After a few meetings, we were on a first-name basis.
The phrase often marks a threshold—moving from formal acquaintance to something friendlier: The CEO insists everyone be on a first-name basis.
- addressingSpeaking to or handling
- friendshipBond of mutual affection
- etiquetteRules of polite conduct
- social normsShared behavioral expectations
- honorificsRespectful name additions
casualness · camaraderie · mutual respect · acquaintanceship · closeness · old friends · rapport · personal connection · conversational tone · small talk · breaking the ice · informal speech · trust · informality · directness · intimacy · regional practices · verbal cues
on a first-name basisstrangers
People unknown to you
complete strangers · perfect strangers · unacquainted · unfamiliar · distant
on a first-name basisstanding on ceremony
Insisting on formalities
Mr. and Mrs. · formal · at arm's length · reserved · your honor
first, basis, first-name, names, naming, namely, nameless, nominate, basically