Name-calling is a serious offense. Insults really hurt people both short term and long term. Someone who gets called names may lose self-respect or self-esteem - both characteristics that are necessary for life success a d accomplishment. so you certainly don't want to allow any name calling in your house. However, your other concern is about the effect that this behavior has on your son. It's not good for him to be so arrogant. Others won't like it in him eventually and it's just not a pleasant trait. If you want to help stamp out the bad habit of calling names, you need more than requests. You need consequences as well. Use the 2X-Rule (See Raise Your Kids without Raising Your Voice for more detailsand instructions for choosing consequences). Let him know that when you hear him saying that someone is "stupid" or "an indiot" there will be a consequence . If he argues with you that there is free speech in America or something, then you can tell him that it is still your house and you don't want to hear this stuff. By applying a consequence you are showing him that you are SERIOUS about this issue. You really don't want to hear this stuff coming out of his mouth. Even if all you do is train him to keep his thoughts to himself - that is a good level to achieve. Just because a person has a thought, doesn't mean he has to say it. And if the thought is hurtful, then it's even more important that it not be spoiken!!  Sarah Chana