7 phrases fake smart people think make them sound intelligent

We’ve all encountered them: those faux intelligentsia in our lives who, under the guise of wisdom, drop phrases they believe make them sound profoundly smart. Yet, in truth, these sayings often backfire.

Why? It’s a matter of authenticity. Pretentious jargon and wordy expressions can’t replace true knowledge or wisdom. These phrases are just smoke and mirrors, an attempt to sound clever while covering up the lack of substance underneath.

True intelligence is reflected in the simplicity of one’s words and the depth of their meaning. And it’s not about impressing others but about sharing knowledge and fostering understanding.

So let’s dive right in. Here are seven phrases that those ‘fake smart’ people often use, thinking they sound intelligent (spoiler alert: they don’t).

1) “I read somewhere that…”

We all know someone who’s always ready with a vaguely sourced fact. They might start their sentence with “I read somewhere that…” or “I heard from a reliable source…”.

We use your personal data for interest-based advertising, as outlined in our Privacy Notice.
The issue isn’t with referencing articles, research, or experts. In fact, this can be a sign of a well-informed individual. The problem arises when these phrases are used without any specifics about the source or context, merely to sound knowledgeable.

It’s a false show of intellect, often covering up an absence of understanding or critical thought. After all, anyone can regurgitate information they’ve heard or read. True intelligence lies in being able to analyze, understand, and apply information.

So the next time you hear someone saying “I read somewhere that…”, ask them for more details. Where exactly did they read it? What was the context? If they can’t answer, chances are they’re not as smart as they’re trying to appear.

And remember, there’s nothing wrong with saying “I don’t know” when you truly don’t know something. It’s better to admit ignorance and learn than to pretend to know and mislead others.

2) “To be honest…”

There was a time when I found myself using the phrase “To be honest…” quite frequently. Initially, I thought it added a layer of sincerity to my statements. But soon, I realized it had the opposite effect.

The phrase implies that I wasn’t being honest before or that I could choose to be dishonest at any given time. It made me come across as someone who wasn’t always upfront or genuine.

Truth be told, people who are genuinely intelligent don’t need to announce their honesty. Their actions and words speak for themselves.

So, I consciously decided to drop “To be honest…” from my vocabulary. Now, I focus on ensuring that my words are clear, straightforward and, above all, honest in their own right—no disclaimers needed.

And you know what? It’s made a world of difference in how people perceive and respond to me.

3) “Actually…”

“Actually…” is a word that’s often thrown around loosely. It’s used to correct someone or to add a piece of information to a conversation. But when overused, it can become a sign of pretentiousness rather than intelligence.

It’s believed that the overuse of “actually” in conversation is a form of conversational narcissism—a way to constantly turn the attention back to oneself and assert one’s knowledge or superiority.

Rather than making someone appear smart, this constant need to correct or one-up others can signal insecurity and a lack of emotional intelligence.

Intelligent individuals know the value of listening and learning from others, and they understand that there’s always more they don’t know.

So, instead of jumping in with an “actually…”, consider asking more questions, showing curiosity, and building upon what the other person is saying. That’s a true sign of intelligence.

4) “Irregardless…”

Language is a tool smart people use effectively. However, those trying to sound more intelligent often fall into the trap of using big, complicated, or impressive-sounding words incorrectly. A classic example of this is the non-word “irregardless”.

“Irregardless” is a common misnomer for “regardless” or “irrespective”. Its usage can instantly make a person seem less intelligent to those who know it’s not a real word.

Real intelligence isn’t about using complex vocabulary—it’s about clear and effective communication. The smartest people can take complex ideas and express them in simple and understandable ways.

So, rather than focusing on the ‘big’ words, consider if your words are conveying your thoughts accurately. Remember, effective communication is the key to sounding—and being—smart.

5) “As you know…”

I’ve often found myself using the phrase “As you know…” in conversations. It seemed like a good way to assert my knowledge and establish a common ground. But I soon realized that it was often perceived as condescending and presumptuous.

By using “As you know…”, I was assuming that the other person held the same knowledge as me. It denied them the chance to ask questions, express their thoughts, or even admit that they didn’t have the same information.

It was a hard pill to swallow, but I understood that this phrase was doing more harm than good. It wasn’t making me seem smarter—it was pushing people away.

Since then, I’ve been more mindful of how I approach conversations. I’ve learned that true intelligence fosters dialogue, encourages questions, and values the knowledge and perspectives of others. Most importantly, it doesn’t presume what others do or don’t know.

6) “In my humble opinion…”

“In my humble opinion” or “IMHO” as it’s often shortened online, is a phrase that’s meant to soften a statement or opinion. It’s intended to show humility, but it often comes off as anything but.

The truth is, if your opinion was truly humble, you wouldn’t need to label it as such. What’s more, this phrase can be seen as a veiled attempt to make an opinion sound like a fact. It’s a sneaky way of stating something while sidestepping any responsibility for being wrong.

Intelligent people understand that their opinions are just that—opinions. They don’t need to dress them up or hide behind false humility. They state them clearly and are open to discussion and differing viewpoints.

So, instead of using “In my humble opinion…”, try simply stating your thoughts and being open to feedback. That’s a sign of both intelligence and confidence.

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

This phrase is often used as a mask for expressing a controversial or unpopular opinion. It’s a way to introduce dissent while distancing oneself from the actual viewpoint.

However, using this phrase frequently can end up making you seem less intelligent. It gives the impression that you’re more interested in argument for argument’s sake, rather than contributing meaningfully to the conversation.

True intelligence is about constructive debate and the ability to appreciate different viewpoints without causing unnecessary conflict. It’s about engaging in dialogue, not just stirring the pot.

So, rather than hiding behind the guise of playing “devil’s advocate”, try expressing your differing viewpoint in a respectful and open manner. It’s not about winning an argument; it’s about growing through understanding and conversation.

Words as a mirror

Language, the tool we use to express our thoughts, can often serve as a mirror of our minds. What we say and how we say it can reveal more about us than we realize.

The phrases we’ve discussed are not inherently bad or wrong. They become a problem when they’re used as a facade, a smokescreen to project an image of intelligence that isn’t backed by substance.

True intelligence is not about sounding smart. It’s about continuous learning, about being curious and open-minded, about understanding and sharing knowledge. It’s about using language for clear communication, not for self-aggrandizement.

So, the next time you catch yourself or someone else using these phrases, see it as an opportunity for self-reflection and growth. After all, awareness is the first step towards change.

The words we choose to use matter. They have the power to build or break connections, to enlighten or confuse. Choose them wisely and authentically, and you’ll find that you don’t need to sound intelligent—you just are.