Call names

Meaning

The idiom "call names" means to insult or disgrace someone by calling them a name, usually a rude or offensive one. It is commonly used to express anger, frustration, or contempt towards someone. The figurative meaning of the idiom is to attack or criticize someone harshly.

Usage

• When he cheated on his exams, I couldn't believe how low he had stooped to call names and insult others.
• She called names on him in front of everyone at the meeting, humiliating him in front of his colleagues.
• The coach called names during practice, but it only made the players more nervous and anxious.
• The president called names of opposition politicians in his speech, trying to discredit them and garner support from his own party.
• He called names on his coworkers on social media, causing tension and conflict in the workplace. The usage of the idiom "call names" can vary depending on the context. It can be used to express strong emotions or to attack someone harshly, but it's important to use it appropriately and not as a form of bullying or harassment.

Roots and History

The origin of the idiom "call names" is uncertain, but it has been used in English since at least the 16th century. It may have come from the idea of calling someone by their full name as an insult or to belittle them. Over time, the phrase evolved to include more specific and derogatory terms that were used to insult or disgrace someone.

Synonyms in English

• Call someone out
• Disgrace someone
• Insult someone
• Defame someone
• Shame someone

Synonyms in other languages

• 侮謙 Someone (Japanese)
• 黎毒 Someone (Chinese)
• הוכחה Someone (Hebrew)
• לובים Someone (Yiddish)
• קודשים Someone (Yiddish)

Similar Idioms

• get off

• come full circle

• charity begins at home