name dropping 

The act of inserting the name of any obscure cultural institution into a conversation in an effort to accelerate the building of rapport with someone, or to make one's self appear to be more important. Typically considered by intelligent people to be a negative habit.

Here is an example of name dropping in context.
"I totally saw this guy I used to work with at the Bright Eyes show last tuesday!"

With the intended response being:
"woah, you listen to Bright Eyes!?"

One more example

"I was getting off the train and my Don Delillo book fell right out of my bag and onto the tracks!!!"

name dropping by BAMF.com May 6, 2003

Name Dropping 

Name dropping is used to inflate one's stature in a conversation by linking oneself to a famous person or situation. This is sometimes done while talking about something completely different. The names are just "dropped" in there. Some attempts are more subtle than others but it is basically annoying.

I see those hats everywhere now. When I was at the inauguration for Obama they were all over the place. But when I met Rupaul at that charity party last month he said they are on their way out. And good riddance too!

Did you catch the name dropping in that conversation about hats? So subtle...

Name Dropping by idunnoit January 24, 2009

name dropping 

mentioning someone (usually 'famous') in a conversation to imply that you are best friends with said person in lame hope of appearing cool by association

Cubix the cunt: I couldn't possibly answer that, i would get a grilling from Ronnie or Arthur (as he browses these forums) or a Avi, ha ha. I lie i love to bum lee blackwell on weekends.

name dropping by bernard September 7, 2004

band name dropping 

Directly related to name dropping, the act of creating an overly large list of bands in an effort to appear more culturally secure rather than a true love of music. The "band name dropper" is trying to appear more cultured and music knowledgeable that they really are. Intelligent people are able to see through the facade and this is a negative habit.

"Oh Hey! I like Tool, The Stones, Metallica, Foo Fighters, blah blah blah, Styx, The Beatles, blah blah.. (usually by now you tune out again.)"

Anyone who has an online profile with more than 7-10 bands in the "music I like" section is a high candidate for band name dropping.

band name dropping by electrawn June 11, 2006

Name Dropper 

One who uses full names, that is first and last when explaining a situation in hopes to impress one's audience.

Oh yeah me and Thom Yorke go way back.

Name Dropper by Ursula Perry and Jared Pearce November 13, 2001

name dropper 

Someone who offers to much information about a person place or thing. Usually in a vain attempt to impress you. They use terms like couture for expensive, muave for beige and twall for expensive ugly country crap.

Do you like my sweater? Its sooo French couture. Hmph,Hmph, Hmph

name dropper by OoklaGeezus July 1, 2005

Name dropper 

A snivelling pedo looking nobody that hangs around people of high stature in the motorsports scene like a dag on a sheeps arse,then using their name to big note ones self (particularly the motocross big names)

Roscoe Holden “yeah well my mate Ricky Johnson,good old RJ I like to call him...yeah rang him for his birthday last night,talked for hours”*turns head to see who’s listening* example of a classic name dropper

Name dropper by Wicksy July 9, 2018