10 phrases that instantly make you sound less intelligent, according to psychology

Our words define us. They’re the tools we use to express ourselves and communicate our thoughts. But, sometimes, the words we choose can inadvertently lower our perceived intelligence.

According to psychology, there are certain phrases that can instantly make us sound less smart.

Now, I’m not talking about using big words incorrectly or making grammatical errors. These are common phrases that you might be using every day without realizing their impact.

In this article, I’m going to highlight 10 of these phrases. 

Let’s get started. 

1) “Like, you know…”

Communication is key in all walks of life, and the words we use have a significant impact on how others perceive our intelligence. One phrase that can instantly diminish that perception is the overuse of filler words like “like” or “you know”.

We all use filler words from time to time, especially when we’re trying to gather our thoughts. However, according to psychology, frequent use of these phrases can make us sound less confident and knowledgeable.

In a study published in the Journal of Language and Social Psychology, researchers found that excessive use of filler words can lead listeners to view the speaker as less competent and less trustworthy.

So, while it might seem like a harmless habit, peppering your speech with “like” or “you know” can inadvertently lower others’ perception of your intelligence.

But don’t worry! Becoming more aware of your language patterns and making an effort to reduce your use of filler words can make a big difference in how you’re perceived. 

2) “I’m not good at this, but…”

Have you ever been in a situation where you had to present an idea or tackle a new task and prefaced your attempt with “I’m not good at this, but…”? I know I have.

For me, it was during a team meeting at work. We were brainstorming ideas for a new project, and I had a concept I thought might be interesting. But instead of confidently sharing my idea, I started with “I’m not good at brainstorming, but…”.

According to psychology, this self-deprecating phrase can instantly make you sound less intelligent. It’s called ‘negative self-talk’, and it can undermine our self-confidence and abilities, making others perceive us as less capable.

In retrospect, my idea was actually quite well-received. But by prefacing it with “I’m not good at this, but…”, I unintentionally set the stage for others to question my competence.

The lesson here is to be mindful of how we present ourselves and our ideas. Even if you’re unsure or feeling out of your depth, avoid negative self-talk. You might be surprised by how well your ideas are received when you present them confidently!

3) “I literally died…”

Remember the last time you laughed really hard and said, “I literally died laughing”? While it might seem like a harmless exaggeration, using the word “literally” in a non-literal context can diminish your perceived intelligence.

In the English language, “literally” is meant to emphasize that something is true in the most exact sense. But its rampant misuse has led to it becoming a filler word, often used for dramatic effect rather than accuracy.

People who misuse common words, like “literally”, are often perceived as less knowledgeable and less intelligent.

When you’re tempted to use “literally” to dramatize your experience, consider opting for a more accurate description instead. You might just come across as more intelligent and credible.

4) “Irregardless…”

Using incorrect or non-standard words can be a quick way to lower perceptions of your intelligence, and “irregardless” is a prime example.

Despite its frequent use, “irregardless” isn’t actually a word in standard English. The correct term is “regardless”.

The prefix ‘ir’ and the suffix ‘less’ both make a word negative in English. So, when you say “irregardless”, you’re essentially using a double negative, which is unnecessary and incorrect.

Using incorrect words like “irregardless” can make you appear less educated or knowledgeable than you are. So, it’s essential to use the right words and phrases to express your thoughts accurately and intelligently.

5) “Just…”

The word “just” seems innocent enough, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, its overuse can undermine your authority and make you appear less confident.

When used unnecessarily, “just” can diminish the importance of what follows. For instance, saying “I’m just checking in” or “It’s just an idea” can indicate that you lack confidence in your actions or ideas.

Individuals who frequently use such minimizing language are often perceived as less intelligent and capable.

While it seems minor, dropping the unnecessary “just” can help you communicate more assertively and sound more intelligent in the process.

6) “I’m no expert…”

We all have moments of self-doubt where we question our knowledge or abilities. In these moments, it’s easy to default to phrases like “I’m no expert, but…”.

Using this phrase might feel like a safety net, protecting you from potential criticism or judgement.

However, it can also undermine your credibility and make you sound less intelligent.

Take it from me, a time when I was discussing mental health issues with a friend.

I found myself saying, “I’m no expert in psychology, but…”. Later, I realized that using this phrase only served to diminish my own understanding and experience of the subject.

Even if you’re not an official expert or professional in a field, your perspectives and insights hold value. So rather than downplaying your knowledge or experience, embrace it. It’s okay to share opinions and ideas without being an expert. After all, we’re all continually learning and growing.

7) “Sorry, but…”

Apologies are important, but not when they’re out of place. Many of us have the habit of starting our sentences with “Sorry, but…”. This phrase, however, can make us appear less confident and, consequently, less intelligent.

A few years back, I found myself constantly apologizing for sharing my thoughts or asking questions during meetings. “Sorry, but I have a question,” or “Sorry, but I think…”. It took a mentor pointing it out for me to realize how this habit was undermining my authority and credibility.

Over-apologizing can give the impression that you’re not confident in your knowledge or abilities. So instead of starting with an apology, dive straight into your point. You’ll come off as more confident and intelligent.

8) “To be honest…”

On the surface, “to be honest” seems like a phrase that would increase trust and show your sincerity. However, using this phrase can unintentionally suggest that you might not always be honest.

The implication here is that if you need to specifically state that you’re being honest now, there may be other times when you’re not. This can make you appear less trustworthy and therefore less intelligent.

Next time, instead of saying “to be honest,” try simply stating your opinion or fact. This way, you maintain trust and avoid inadvertently implying any dishonesty.

9) “I guess…”

We often use the phrase “I guess” when we’re unsure or trying to appear polite. However, this phrase can make us come across as indecisive or lacking in confidence, which can inadvertently lower others’ perception of our intelligence.

“I guess” is a qualifier that weakens your statements and can make you seem less assertive. For instance, saying “I guess I could do that” sounds much less confident than simply saying “I can do that”.

When you’re confident in your speech, others will perceive you as more intelligent and competent. So, try to avoid using phrases like “I guess” when expressing your thoughts, opinions, or decisions.

10) “Actually…”

“Actually” is a word that can subtly undermine your intelligence when used improperly. It’s often inserted into sentences where it’s unnecessary, creating a tone that can be perceived as condescending or correcting.

For instance, saying “Actually, it’s like this…” can appear as if you’re challenging or correcting the other person, which can put them on the defensive.

Communication is a delicate art. Each word we choose plays a crucial role in how our messages are received. So, let’s be mindful of our language and ensure we’re communicating in ways that reflect our true intelligence and understanding.