Name and shame

usgb
verb

To publicly criticize or blame someone for something they did wrong.

The newspaper's campaign aims to name and shame those who evade paying taxes.
Visual representation of "name and shame" - To publicly criticize or blame someone for something they did wrong

Often appears as...

  • name and shame campaign
  • name and shame policy

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "name and shame"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Social Pressure

Name and shame exploits social pressure to discourage bad behavior by highlighting it.

Illustration for Social Pressure
The campaign will name and shame companies ignoring environmental laws.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Public Exposure

The phrase suggests exposing wrongdoings publicly, not just telling a few people.

Illustration for Public Exposure
Activists used social media to name and shame the violators.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Negative Connotation

Using 'name and shame' implies a negative judgment and disapproval of actions.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
Local residents were named and shamed for littering in the park.
Visual representation of the word "Name and shame"

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