Name-dropping

For the software feature, see NameDrop.

Name-dropping (or name-checking) is the practice of naming or alluding to important people or institutions in order to indicate one's association with them. The term often connotes an attempt to impress others; it is usually regarded negatively,[1] and under certain circumstances may constitute a breach of professional ethics.[2] It may be done within a conversation,[1] a story,[3] a song, an online identity,[4] or other communication.

When used as part of a logical argument it can be an example of the false authority fallacy.[5]

  1. ^ a b Wibberley, Leonard (24 February 1950), "It's Hard to Eradicate the Name-Dropping Pest", Los Angeles Times.
  2. ^ Anderson, Mark B. (2005), "'Yeah, I work with Beckham': Issues of confidentiality, privacy and privilege in sport psychology service delivery" (PDF), Sport & Exercise Psychology Review, 1 (2): 3–13, archived (PDF) from the original on 5 October 2015.
  3. ^ Bauer, Harry C. (1960), "Bibliographic name-dropping", Library Review, 17 (6): 408–410, doi:10.1108/eb012326.
  4. ^ Donath, J.; Boyd, D. (2004), "Public displays of connection", BT Technology Journal, 22 (4): 71–82, doi:10.1023/B:BTTJ.0000047585.06264.cc.
  5. ^ Evans, Donald; Palmer, Humphrey (1986), Understanding arguments, Drake Educational Associates, p. 286.