A method for retroreflective tagging of objects in a data processing system is described herein. The method includes first monitoring tagging of objects in memory of the data processing system. Subsequently, an application of a new tag to an existing one of the objects can be detected that differs from a previously applied tag of the existing one of the objects. Thereafter, the end user responsible for the new tag can be prompted to retroreflectively tag the existing one of the objects with the new tag. In response to an affirmation by the end user, the new tag is applied to the existing one of the objects and also to others of the objects tagged with the previously applied tag.