Name-dropping

Name-dropping (or name-checking) is the practice of naming or alluding to important people or institutions in order to 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. It may be done within a conversation, a story, a song, an online identity, or other communication.

When used as part of a logical argument it can be an example of the false authority fallacy.