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Mr. Tom Posted 10 years ago
Vocabulary

Call the names

Hi

I am aware that call names as an idiomatic expression means 'to use abusive words for someone'. I want to know if this phrase would work otherwise. 

I'll call names and then you can send the children down accordingly. (as the child's name is called out)

Or should it be: I'll call out the names?

Thanks,

Tom
  

Top answer

The usual expression is "name calling" (not the other way around). But, yes, your substitution works well. I'll call out the names (or, perhaps better, "their names") ...

— Doctor D

  • The usual expression is "name calling" (not the other way around).
  • But, yes, your substitution works well.
  • I'll call out the names (or, perhaps better, "their names") ...
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5 Answers
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The usual expression is "name calling" (not the other way around). But, yes, your substitution works well.

I'll call out the names (or, perhaps better, "their names") ...
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Thanks, Doctor D.

Would you say that "call names" is not (very) common among native speakers? Interestingly, it is fairly known and used in Indian English. I also checked it online.

https://www.google.com.pk/?gws_rd=cr,ssl&ei=1S80V46fNszJvgS
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Yes, the American usage is "name calling."

Stop your name calling!
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One more thought. Normally, "name calling" is used as a noun.

Nobody likes a name caller.

Calling names is a poor way to win an argument.

However, as I am sure someone will point out, it is sometimes used as verb, but in a slightly different form. We do not say "Don't call names at your brother." We would say, instead, "Don't call your brother names."
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I think I must be getting sleepy (it is midnight here).

My second example should be "Name calling is a poor way to win an argument."
The earlier version also works but might be less common.
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