Called names
/kɔːld neɪmz/
verb phraseB1past tense + plural noun
Definition
"Called names" is a phrase used when someone uses unpleasant or insulting words to speak about another person. It often happens when people want to hurt someone's feelings or make fun of them. This phrase usually describes verbal bullying or teasing.
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⚡ See It in Action
To insult or tease someone by using unpleasant words
- •The children called names to the new student because of his accent.
- •She felt upset when her classmates called names during recess.
- •It's wrong to call names because it can hurt others' feelings.
To verbally bully someone by saying mean things
- •He was called names every day at school, which made him feel lonely.
- •The team captain told the players not to call names during the game.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "called names" like "say bad words," but more about using specific words that hurt feelings, not just any bad word.
- ✓Picture a child at school hearing mean words from other kids, like "stupid" or "lazy."
- ✓It's the feeling when someone says something mean to you that makes you feel sad or angry.
- ✓Sounds like "called names" → imagine someone calling out a list of words that are like small sharp stones hitting someone's heart.
- ✓In stories, bullies often "call names" to make others feel small or unhappy.
- ✓NOT like "shout" (loud noise), "called names" is about the content of what is said, not just volume.
- ✓NOT like "praise" (say good things), "called names" is saying bad or mean things.
- ✓NOT like "joke" (funny words), "called names" is usually serious and hurtful.
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Insult: to say or do something to hurt someone’s feelings (Use when the focus is on hurting feelings, often more serious than "called names")
- •Mock: to make fun of someone in a mean way (Use when the action involves copying or laughing at someone)
- •Bully: to hurt or scare someone repeatedly, including calling names (Use when the behavior is repeated and aggressive)
- •Tease: to make fun of someone in a playful or sometimes mean way (Use when the meaning is less serious or more playful)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: "called" (past tense of call, meaning to say or speak) + "names" (plural of name, meaning words used to identify a person)
- •Etymology: "call" comes from Old English "ceallian," meaning to shout or speak; "name" comes from Old English "nama," meaning a word used to identify
- •Historical development: The phrase "called names" has been used for centuries to describe the act of speaking words that identify someone in a negative or insulting way
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe verbal bullying or teasing, especially among children or in social conflicts
- •Key insight: The phrase focuses on the action of speaking specific hurtful words, not just general bad language
💭 Reflect & Connect
•How does being called names affect a person's feelings and behavior?
•Can calling names ever be harmless, or is it always hurtful? Why?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.When children are called names, they often feel ___ and want to ___ away.
2.People who call names usually want to ___ or ___ someone.
3.Calling names is different from joking because it ___ feelings instead of making people laugh.
4.Teachers ask students not to call names because it can ___ the classroom environment.
5.When someone is called names repeatedly, it can lead to ___ or ___ problems.
6.Instead of calling names, friends should use ___ words to support each other.
7.The phrase "called names" often appears in stories about ___ or ___ at school.