Namedropping
Name-dropping
Practice of mentioning famous people
Name-dropping (or name-checking) is the practice of naming or alluding to important or famous people and institutions within a conversation,[1] story,[2] song, online identity,[3] or other communication in order to subtly 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.[4] When used as part of a logical argument it can be an example of the false authority fallacy.[5]