Name-dropping is used to position oneself within a
social hierarchy. It is often used to create a sense of superiority by raising one's status. By implying (or directly asserting) a connection to people of high status, the name-dropper hopes to raise their own
social status to a level closer to that of those whose names they have dropped, and thus elevate themselves above, or into, present company. Name-dropping can also be used to identify people with a common bond. By indicating the names of people one knows, one makes known their
social circle, providing an opportunity for others with similar connections to relate. As a form of
appeal to authority, name-dropping can be an important form of informal
argumentation, as long as the name being dropped is of someone who is an expert on the subject of the argument and that person's views are accurately represented. ==Methods==