name-dropper
/ˈneɪm ˌdrɒpər/
NOUN
1. A person who mentions famous or influential people to impress others
A person who frequently mentions their associations or acquaintances with famous, wealthy, or influential people to make themselves seem important, prestigious, or socially connected.
1.1. Boasting about influential connections
Someone who repeatedly mentions knowing or having met important, famous, or influential people to impress others or enhance their own status.
Synonyms
- social climber
- status seeker
Examples
- During the conversation, he subtly slipped in the names of famous people, revealing himself as a skilled name-dropper.
- The party was filled with pretentious name-droppers boasting about their connections.
- In the business meeting, the executive came across as a shameless name-dropper, constantly referencing influential figures.