name-calling

noun
UK /ˈneɪmˌkɔːlɪŋ/
US /ˈneɪmˌkɔːlɪŋ/

Name-calling is when someone uses mean words to hurt another person.

The teacher told the kids to stop name-calling and be kind to each other.

SYNONYMS

insultingtauntingmockingabuseridicule

RELATED WORDS

bullyingteasinginsultnicknameharassment

OTHER MEANINGS

2. The act of using offensive labels to describe a person or group.

The argument turned ugly with name-calling from both sides.

3. A form of verbal bullying that targets someone's identity.

Schools have rules against name-calling and other kinds of bullying.

4. The practice of giving someone a hurtful nickname.

His constant name-calling made her feel unwelcome at the club.