What Is Another Way to Say “Name Calling”?

Looking for synonyms for name calling? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say name calling.

  • Insulting
  • Taunting
  • Derogatory remarks
  • Slandering
  • Mocking
  • Belittling
  • Jeering
  • Ridiculing
  • Defaming
  • Disparaging
  • Denigrating
  • Vilifying
  • Libeling
  • Scornful labeling
  • Demeaning
  • Disrespecting
  • Reviling
  • Abusing
  • Discrediting
  • Smearing

Want to learn how to say name calling professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Insulting

Appropriate Usage: Refers to speaking to or treating someone with disrespect or scornful abuse.
Example: Insulting a colleague, regardless of the situation, is unacceptable in the workplace.

2. Taunting

Appropriate Usage: Involves provoking or teasing someone in a hurtful or mocking way.
Example: The manager was reprimanded for taunting team members about their performance.

3. Derogatory Remarks

Appropriate Usage: Refers to comments that are disrespectful or demeaning.
Example: The company’s code of conduct strictly prohibits making derogatory remarks about coworkers.

4. Slandering

Appropriate Usage: Involves making false and damaging statements about someone.
Example: Slandering a competitor’s products in a marketing campaign can lead to legal consequences.

5. Mocking

Appropriate Usage: Refers to ridiculing or making fun of someone in a contemptuous manner.
Example: Mocking an employee’s suggestion in a meeting can discourage open communication.

6. Belittling

Appropriate Usage: Involves making someone or something seem less important or significant.
Example: Belittling a subordinate’s achievements can damage workplace morale.

7. Jeering

Appropriate Usage: Suggests loudly insulting or mocking someone.
Example: The team leader was criticized for jeering at the new intern’s mistake.

8. Ridiculing

Appropriate Usage: Refers to the act of making someone or something the object of scornful laughter.
Example: Ridiculing a colleague’s proposal during a meeting is unprofessional behavior.

9. Defaming

Appropriate Usage: Involves damaging the good reputation of someone through slander or libel.
Example: Defaming a business rival in public can result in legal action.

10. Disparaging

Appropriate Usage: Refers to speaking of someone or something in a way that shows a lack of respect.
Example: Disparaging remarks about the company’s policies should be addressed in a formal grievance process.

11. Denigrating

Appropriate Usage: Involves unfairly criticizing someone or something.
Example: The supervisor was warned against denigrating team members’ ideas.

12. Vilifying

Appropriate Usage: Refers to speaking or writing about someone in an abusively disparaging manner.
Example: Vilifying a competitor’s business practices can backfire and harm your own company’s reputation.

13. Libeling

Appropriate Usage: Involves making a false and malicious statement in written form.
Example: Libeling an individual in a company memo can lead to defamation lawsuits.

14. Scornful Labeling

Appropriate Usage: Refers to using derogatory terms or labels to describe someone in a scornful way.
Example: Scornful labeling of employees based on their job roles is discouraged in our inclusive workplace.

15. Demeaning

Appropriate Usage: Involves causing someone to lose their dignity and the respect of others.
Example: Demeaning a coworker during a presentation is against our company’s values.

16. Disrespecting

Appropriate Usage: Refers to showing a lack of respect or courtesy.
Example: Disrespecting a client’s opinions can jeopardize business relationships.

17. Reviling

Appropriate Usage: Involves criticizing someone in an angrily insulting manner.
Example: Reviling an employee for a mistake instead of offering constructive feedback is counterproductive.

18. Abusing

Appropriate Usage: Refers to using harsh and insulting language.
Example: Verbally abusing staff members is a serious violation of workplace conduct.

19. Discrediting

Appropriate Usage: Involves harming the good reputation of someone.
Example: Discrediting a colleague’s work to gain favor with the boss is unethical.

20. Smearing

Appropriate Usage: Suggests damaging someone’s reputation by false accusations; slander.
Example: Smearing a competitor’s reputation during a sales pitch is not only unethical but could lead to legal issues.

Linda Brown