8 phrases unintelligent people often use to sound smart, according to psychology

Ever met someone who tries to sound intelligent but ends up missing the mark?

It’s more common than you think.

People often rely on specific phrases or jargon to mask a lack of understanding or to boost their perceived intelligence.

However, using these phrases can backfire, revealing more about their insecurities than their intellect.

From misused buzzwords to vague clichés, these linguistic traps can do more harm than good.

Here are eight common phrases people use to appear smarter—and why psychology suggests they don’t work.

1) “Actually, studies show…”

You’ve probably heard this one before. It’s often said without any specific studies or sources to back it up.

This phrase is commonly used by people trying to make their point seem more credible as if they have done extensive research on the subject.

However, without specific references or further explanation, the phrase can be seen as a tactic to dodge questions or silence opposition. It’s an attempt to sound intellectual without providing any substantial evidence for their argument.

Psychology suggests that this is a common ploy used by those who feel insecure about their knowledge.

They may use it in an attempt to level the playing field or gain some kind of intellectual upper hand.

But genuine intelligence is about more than just sounding smart – it’s about being able to critically analyze information, form well-rounded opinions, and articulate them clearly and respectfully.

2) “In my vast experience…”

This phrase is often used to add weight to an argument or claim, suggesting that the speaker has a wealth of experience and therefore their viewpoint should be considered more valid.

But here’s the catch: true wisdom doesn’t need to be announced.

People who have extensive knowledge or experience in a certain field don’t usually feel the need to constantly reference it. They show it through their understanding and handling of the subject matter.

When someone frequently highlights their ‘vast experience,’ it can sometimes indicate a lack of confidence in their position or a desire to intimidate others into agreement. It’s not about the validity of the argument but about the perception of authority.

True expertise shines through without needing to be explicitly stated. It’s okay to trust yourself and your knowledge without needing constant validation.

3) “I’m not a genius, but…”

This phrase often precedes a statement or opinion that the speaker wants to come across as more intelligent or insightful.

The irony is that by prefacing their thoughts this way, they seemingly aim to lower expectations, only to try and exceed them with their following words.

This is a form of self-handicapping, a strategy where people make excuses for themselves in advance in case they fail.

It’s a defense mechanism that allows them to protect their self-esteem because if they don’t succeed, they can blame it on the factor they’ve already identified – in this case, not being a “genius.”

In contrast, individuals who are confident in their intelligence usually don’t feel the need to downplay or qualify it. They allow their ideas and arguments to stand on their own merit without needing to cushion potential criticism ahead of time.

4) “I may be wrong, but…”

Similarly, this phrase is typically used as a cushion before expressing an opinion. It might seem like a humble approach, yet it often indicates a lack of confidence in one’s own thoughts and viewpoints.

It’s completely okay to be unsure sometimes. We’re all human, and nobody knows everything. Your thoughts and opinions are valuable and they deserve to be heard. You don’t always have to cushion your words or doubt yourself before sharing your ideas.

It’s also important to note that being confident doesn’t mean refusing to acknowledge the potential for being wrong. However, expressing constant self-doubt can hinder your ability to communicate effectively and assertively.

So next time you find yourself saying, “I may be wrong, but…”, take a moment. Trust yourself, trust your knowledge, and speak with conviction.

5) “I read somewhere that…”

We’ve all been there – trying to recall a piece of information or a statistic we read somewhere, at some point in time.

This phrase is often used when people want to lend credibility to their statements but don’t remember the exact source of their knowledge.

While it’s great to share interesting things we’ve read, using vague sources can make the information seem less reliable.

It’s always better to be honest if we can’t remember the source, rather than giving the impression we’re trying to mislead or bluff.

We all forget things from time to time, and that’s perfectly fine. What matters most is being honest, and striving to be as accurate as possible when sharing information with others.

6) “Just playing devil’s advocate here…”

This phrase is often used by someone trying to challenge a viewpoint or stir up a debate. It could be seen as a strategic move, positioning oneself as a critical thinker.

For instance, during a discussion about environmental policies, someone might say, “Just playing devil’s advocate here, but what about the economic cost of going green?”

The intention might be to sound knowledgeable and insightful by presenting an opposing argument.

However, repeatedly playing devil’s advocate can sometimes come off as argumentative rather than intelligent.

7) “To make a long story short…”

This phrase often precedes a lengthy explanation or story, ironically defeating the purpose of ‘making it short’.

It’s used with the intention of sounding concise and considerate of others’ time.

However, if you find yourself using this phrase often, it might be a sign that you’re not organizing your thoughts effectively before sharing them.

Precision and brevity in communication are skills that are associated with intelligence and respect for others’ time.

So instead of promising to make it short, actually work on making it short. Practice summarizing your thoughts.

8) “I think outside the box.”

This phrase is often used by people trying to convey their creativity or uniqueness. However, repeatedly stating that you “think outside the box” can ironically come across as cliché, and not particularly innovative.

What truly matters isn’t telling people that you think differently, but showing it through your actions and ideas.

People who genuinely think outside the box do so naturally, and it reflects in their problem-solving abilities and creative endeavors.

After all, intelligence isn’t about sounding smart or impressing others with fancy words or phrases.

It’s about expressing your thoughts clearly, respecting others’ viewpoints, and being open to learning and growing.

Conclusion

Communication is a powerful tool, and the way we express ourselves speaks volumes about our confidence and understanding.

The phrases outlined here serve as reminders of how easy it is to slip into patterns that diminish our credibility.

Instead of relying on clichés or defensive statements, embracing clear and honest communication fosters genuine connections and demonstrates true intelligence.

By prioritizing authenticity over the need to impress, we can engage in more meaningful dialogues that enhance both our personal growth and our relationships with others.