# call someone every name in the book

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/call-someone-every-name-in-the-book
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To call someone many abusive names.

## Examples

- The angry driver called the other person every name in the book.
- After the argument started, he lost his temper and called his neighbor every name in the book.
- The furious customer called the manager every name in the book before storming out of the store in a rage.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.