How to say "name-calling" in Japanese

• 悪口あっこうJLPT N1approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, intransitive verbCovers name-calling as harsh, insulting speech or verbal abuse. It has a somewhat dated flavor, so learners more often reach for the native reading わるぐち in everyday conversation.
• 悪口わるぐちJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounThe common everyday word for name-calling: speaking ill of people or bad-mouthing them, typically behind their back. Use this for ordinary gossip-like criticism rather than formal abusive language.
  陰かげで他人たにんの悪口わるぐちを言ゆうべきでない。↗

  You should not speak ill of others behind their backs.

Both readings of 悪口 cover 'name-calling'; use わるぐち for everyday bad-mouthing behind someone's back, and あっこう for more formal or abusive insulting language.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 悪口あっこう(verbal) abuse
• 悪口わるぐち(verbal) abuse