7 phrases people use when they want to appear smarter than they actually are, according to psychology

We all know that person who tries to sound smarter than they actually are. They pepper their language with jargon and fancy words, hoping it gives the illusion of intelligence. But according to psychology, this strategy can often backfire.

There are seven specific phrases people commonly use when they’re trying to appear more intelligent than they really are. These phrases, while seemingly impressive, often reveal more about their insecurities than their intellect.

This isn’t about shaming or judging anyone. We’ve all been there – in a meeting or a conversation where we felt the need to prove our worth. It’s a learning opportunity for us all.

Understanding these phrases can not only help us recognize when people are putting on airs, but also help us avoid falling into the same trap.

After all, true intelligence isn’t about sounding smart; it’s about being authentic, open to learning, and able to adapt – qualities that are crucial for anyone looking to thrive in today’s fast-paced digital world.

So let’s dive in and uncover these seven phrases.

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

We’ve all been in discussions where someone chimes in with “Just playing devil’s advocate here…”. While it may seem like a clever tactic to showcase intellectual prowess, psychology suggests it might signal the opposite.

This phrase is often used when someone wants to challenge an idea without taking responsibility for the opposing view. It’s a convenient escape hatch that allows them to debate a point without fully committing to it, creating an illusion of intellectual depth.

But does this strategy really make someone sound smarter? Not necessarily. Renowned psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The very essence of the creative is its novelty, and hence we have no standard by which to judge it.”

This quote emphasizes the importance of original thoughts and ideas. In contrast, hiding behind the guise of the devil’s advocate can be seen as an avoidance of personal opinion or a lack of original thought.

So next time you’re tempted to play the devil’s advocate, think twice. It might be more beneficial to express your genuine thoughts and ideas, reinforcing authenticity over artificial intelligence.

2) “Let me play the contrarian for a moment…”

Ever been in a conversation where someone says, “Let me play the contrarian for a moment…”? I’ve experienced this firsthand in many business meetings. Colleagues would often use this phrase as a way to express a differing opinion, hoping to come across as more analytical or thoughtful.

I remember during one meeting, a teammate of mine used this phrase before launching into a critique of our project plan. The room immediately went silent, all eyes on him, as he made his point.

But here’s the thing: constantly playing the contrarian can actually undermine your credibility. It can come across as though you’re trying too hard to appear smart, rather than contributing constructively to the conversation.

The famous psychologist, Abraham Maslow once said, “If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.” This quote applies perfectly in this context.

If your only tool for sounding smart is playing the contrarian, then every conversation becomes an opportunity to disagree, which can hinder productive dialogue.

Instead of always being the contrarian, it’s often more beneficial to listen, learn from others’ perspectives, and contribute positively to the conversation. Authenticity wins over pretense every time.

3) “I’ve done extensive research on this…”

Have you ever noticed how some people throw around the phrase “I’ve done extensive research on this…” to boost their credibility?

These individuals often use this phrase to assert their authority and sound more knowledgeable. But more often than not, it comes off as pretentious, especially when the ‘extensive research’ is just a couple of Google searches or skimming through a few articles.

Psychology suggests that people who constantly feel the need to assert their knowledge might actually be less confident in their abilities. It’s a form of overcompensation.

Albert Einstein, one of the greatest minds in history, once said, “The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know.” This quote reflects the humility that comes with true knowledge. The real experts are aware of their limitations and the vastness of what they don’t know.

Remember, it’s okay not to know everything. Instead of pretending to be an expert on all topics, admitting when you don’t know something can actually make you appear more genuine and relatable.

And that’s far smarter than any pretense.

4) “Actually…”

The word “actually” can be a helpful tool when used to correct a factual error or misunderstanding. But when overused, it can quickly become a sign that someone is trying to assert their intelligence or superiority.

“Actually” often precedes a correction or disagreement, making it seem like the speaker is the holder of all knowledge and truth. However, this constant need to correct others can come off as condescending rather than smart.

A study conducted by psychologists at Washington State University found that individuals who overly assert their intelligence are often perceived as less likable and trustworthy. This can harm relationships and hinder effective communication.

The study notes that those who exhibit humility, on the other hand, are more likely to be seen as approachable, likable, and trustworthy. So, while “actually” may seem like a quick way to display your knowledge, it might be doing more harm than good.

Instead of always jumping in with an “actually,” consider listening more and speaking less. When you do speak, strive for understanding and connection rather than being seen as the smartest person in the room.

5) “To be honest…”

“To be honest…” is a phrase we’ve all used at some point. I’ve certainly been guilty of it. On the surface, it seems harmless, a simple preface to a statement or opinion. But what message does it really send?

When someone constantly uses this phrase, it can inadvertently imply that their other statements might not be so honest. It’s as if they’re trying to convince others of their sincerity, which can seem inauthentic and even manipulative.

Famed psychologist Sigmund Freud once said, “He that has eyes to see and ears to hear may convince himself that no mortal can keep a secret. If his lips are silent, he chatters with his fingertips; betrayal oozes out of him at every pore.”

Freud’s words remind us that our actions often speak louder than our words. So instead of prefacing your statements with “to be honest,” let the truth of your words and actions speak for themselves.

Honesty and authenticity shine through naturally, without the need for verbal reinforcement.

6) “As per my last email…”

Now, here’s a phrase that’s often used in professional settings: “As per my last email…” While it might seem like a polite way to remind someone of a previous communication, it can actually come off as passive-aggressive and condescending.

People who frequently use this phrase might think they’re showing off their meticulous record-keeping or their attention to detail. But in reality, it can make them seem petty and not so smart after all.

Famous psychologist Carl Jung once said, “Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.” This quote highlights the importance of self-awareness and empathy in our interactions with others.

Instead of clinging to the “as per my last email…” phrase, try to approach the situation with understanding.

Everyone misses an email now and then, and a gentle reminder can be more effective and less annoying than a not-so-subtle dig.

7) “Essentially…”

“Essentially” is often used to oversimplify complex ideas or concepts. While this can sometimes be helpful, it can also give the impression that the speaker is trying to sound more intelligent by reducing something complex to its ‘essence’.

However, as Albert Einstein said, “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.” This suggests that while clarity and simplicity are important, oversimplification can lead to misunderstanding or misrepresentation.

So next time you’re tempted to use “essentially”, consider whether you’re truly clarifying, or just trying to sound smart.

Wrapping it up

As we navigate our way through the complex maze of human communication, it’s clear that the words we choose carry weight. They can either build authentic connections or create pretenses.

The phrases we’ve discussed in this article, often used by people trying to appear smarter than they are, serve as a reminder of the masks we sometimes put on.

But remember, true intelligence isn’t about sounding smart; it’s about being authentic, open to learning, and adaptable.

The next time you’re tempted to use one of these phrases, take a moment to reflect. Are you trying to impress, or are you seeking to connect?

Because at the end of the day, it’s not about how smart we sound, but how much we genuinely understand and contribute.

Let’s embrace authenticity over pretense and strive for genuine connections in our conversations. After all, isn’t that what communication is essentially all about?