Name-dropping

Name-dropping (or name-checking) is the practice of naming or alluding to important or famous people and institutions within a conversation, story, song, online identity, 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, and under certain circumstances may constitute a breach of professional ethics. When used as part of a logical argument it can be an example of the false authority fallacy.