Perhaps unsurprisingly, the loudest person in the room usually isn’t the brightest.
Someone might act like they know everything, but in reality, they’re putting their ignorance on full display every time they speak. Every time they say these things (which is pretty often), they prove that their confidence is definitely outpacing their knowledge. Genuinely intelligent people are a bit more understated than that.
1. “Actually, let me explain that to you.”
Nothing says, “I barely skimmed the Wikipedia article” quite like someone jumping in to explain things to experts in their field. These conversation hijackers usually come armed with half-remembered facts and unshakeable confidence. Instead of rushing to explain, try asking questions first — you might actually learn something new from the person who’s spent years studying the topic.
2. “Do your own research.”
The battle cry of someone who hasn’t done any real research themselves. Usually followed by links to questionable YouTube videos or obscure blogs. Real researchers know that “doing your own research” means more than watching conspiracy theory videos at 3 AM. True learning involves examining multiple credible sources and being open to changing your mind when presented with solid evidence.
3. “I don’t need a degree to understand this.”
While formal education isn’t everything, dismissing years of studied expertise with this phrase is a classic move of the overconfident amateur. Sure, you don’t need a degree to be knowledgeable, but claiming expertise while rejecting learning from those who’ve dedicated their lives to a subject? That’s less about independence and more about avoiding intellectual challenge.
4. “I have a very high IQ.”
Anyone who leads with their supposed IQ score probably doesn’t have much else to brag about. Truly intelligent people are usually too busy learning new things to announce their intelligence. Besides, real intellectual capability shows up in how you solve problems and interact with other people, not in how often you mention your Mensa membership.
5. “That’s just common sense.”
Usually deployed when someone can’t actually explain their position with facts or logic. Common sense isn’t always common, and what seems obvious isn’t always correct — just ask anyone who once thought the earth was flat. Sometimes the most intelligent thing to say is, “I need to think about this more.”
6. “You’re overthinking it.”
The favourite phrase of someone who isn’t thinking about it enough. Complex issues deserve complex thought, and dismissing careful consideration as “overthinking” often reveals a preference for simple answers over accurate ones. Sometimes the answer isn’t simple, and that’s okay — understanding nuance is a sign of intelligence.
7. “I’m just playing devil’s advocate.”
The go-to excuse for someone who wants to say something controversial without taking responsibility for it. While considering different perspectives is valuable, constantly playing devil’s advocate in every conversation usually means someone’s more interested in being contrarian than contributive. Real critical thinking involves knowing when to challenge ideas and when to listen.
8. “Everyone knows that.”
The classic move of someone trying to make people feel stupid for not knowing something, while also avoiding having to explain how they know it themselves. True knowledge includes understanding that everyone has different areas of expertise, and what’s obvious to one person might be new to another. Smart people enjoy sharing knowledge, not shaming anyone for learning.
9. “You wouldn’t understand.”
The universal signal that someone probably doesn’t understand it themselves. Genuinely knowledgeable people can usually break down complex ideas into simpler terms. If someone can’t explain something clearly, there’s a good chance they haven’t really grasped it themselves — or they’re hiding their own confusion behind a wall of assumed superiority.
10. “Trust me, I know people.”
Usually said by someone who has mistaken cynicism for wisdom. While life experience is valuable, claiming to be an expert on all human behaviour usually reveals more about someone’s prejudices than their insight. Real understanding of human nature includes recognising its complexity and unpredictability.
11. “It’s just basic science.”
Often used by people whose last science class was in high school. Real scientists know that even “basic” scientific concepts can be surprisingly complex when you dig deeper. If someone’s reducing complex scientific topics to oversimplified statements, they’re probably not as scientifically literate as they think.
12. “I’ve done extensive research.”
Translation: “I spent an hour scrolling through social media posts that confirmed my existing beliefs.” Actual researchers tend to be more specific about their methods and sources, and they’re usually the first to acknowledge the limitations of their research. Real expertise comes with humility about what you don’t know.
13. “Wake up, sheeple.”
Nothing says, “I think I’m the only one who can see the truth” quite like calling everyone else sheep. Genuinely insightful people understand that most folks are thinking critically about their lives and making reasonable decisions based on their circumstances. Maybe the real sheep are the ones blindly following conspiracy theories.
14. “It’s not rocket science.”
Usually said about something they don’t fully understand themselves. Smart people know that many seemingly simple things are actually quite complex when you examine them closely. Plus, real rocket scientists rarely use their field as a benchmark for difficulty — they’re too busy solving actual problems.
15. “Let me tell you how the world really works.”
The mating call of someone who’s confused their limited personal experience with universal truth. The world is incredibly complex, and anyone claiming to have it all figured out is probably missing most of the picture. True wisdom includes recognising how much there is still to learn about how things really work.
16. “I’m just being honest.”
Often used as a shield for expressing poorly thought-out opinions without considering their validity or impact. While honesty is important, using it as an excuse to avoid thinking critically about your views or their expression isn’t a sign of intelligence. Real intellectual honesty includes being truthful about the limitations of your own knowledge.
