Some people will do anything to come across as smart, not realising that in doing so, they’re showing just how thick they actually are.
Sure, everyone has a base level of intelligence (though some would say that’s debatable!), but it’s those who are obsessed with other people’s perception of their cleverness that have the least of it in reality — probably because they’re too focused on faking it than cultivating it! Here’s how you know someone’s having you on (or at least trying to) when it comes to their brain power.
1. They use big words unnecessarily.
Throwing around complex vocabulary can feel like an attempt to impress, but it often comes across as forced. Overusing fancy words where simpler ones would do can be a sign they’re trying too hard. True intelligence is more about clarity than complexity. It’s often more effective to keep things simple and accessible. The smartest people know that good communication is about understanding, not showing off.
2. They never admit when they’re wrong.
People who can’t admit mistakes often struggle with growth, as learning from errors is essential for self-improvement. Refusing to admit fault suggests a lack of self-awareness, which is a key part of intelligence. Being wrong isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a chance to learn. Real intelligence means being comfortable with not always having the right answer. Admitting mistakes is often a better sign of confidence than pretending to know it all.
3. They claim expertise in everything.
When someone insists they’re an expert on every topic, it can actually make them seem less knowledgeable. True experts know their limits and don’t pretend to know everything. Stretching knowledge too thin often results in shallow understanding. Real intelligence involves recognising what you don’t know. Pretending to be an expert at everything is more likely to reveal gaps in knowledge than impress anyone.
4. They talk more than they listen.
People who are always talking and rarely listening often miss out on learning from the people around them. Listening is a key part of understanding and gaining new insights. When someone dominates conversations, it’s a sign they’re more interested in showing off than learning. Smart people value other perspectives, knowing there’s always something to learn. Intelligence is about being open to input, not just delivering monologues.
5. They avoid asking questions.
Asking questions is how we learn, and people who avoid it often miss out on valuable knowledge. Pretending to know everything can be a sign of insecurity. Real intelligence involves being curious and recognising that no one knows it all. Those who never ask might be more concerned with appearing smart than actually understanding things. Smart people know that questions lead to growth.
6. They’re quick to judge people over superficial things.
People who rush to conclusions or judge people quickly and harshly often lack the patience or curiosity to understand different viewpoints. Snap judgements suggest a narrow perspective and unwillingness to consider complexity. Real intelligence involves empathy and understanding the shades of gray in people’s lives. Quick judgements usually reveal a lack of depth. It’s smarter to be open-minded and give people the benefit of the doubt.
7. They rely heavily on clichés.
When someone’s ideas are full of overused phrases and clichés, it can signal a lack of original thought. Clichés are easy to repeat but don’t add much value to a conversation. People who lean on these phrases often haven’t fully thought through their own ideas. True intelligence involves finding fresh ways to express complex ideas. Originality goes a lot further than repeating familiar sayings.
8. They constantly seek validation.
People who need constant reassurance might lack the confidence that typically comes with true understanding. Intelligence is often quiet, while insecurity tends to be loud. When someone’s focus is on getting validation rather than exploring ideas, it’s a sign they’re more interested in appearing smart than actually learning. Real intelligence doesn’t need external validation to feel secure. Confidence in knowledge often speaks for itself.
9. They don’t handle criticism well.
Intelligent people view constructive criticism as an opportunity for growth, but those pretending to be smart often take it personally. Being overly defensive can suggest insecurity about their understanding. Criticism helps refine ideas and leads to improvement, which is something smart people embrace. Growth happens when you’re open to feedback. Refusing criticism can make someone seem more insecure than knowledgeable.
10. They overuse statistics or data.
Throwing around numbers can seem impressive, but when someone relies on stats to make every point, it often masks a lack of real understanding. Data is valuable, but it’s more impressive when combined with clear insights and interpretation. People who hide behind numbers might lack deeper comprehension. True intelligence involves context, not just quoting figures. It’s about understanding the meaning behind the numbers, not just repeating them.
11. They belittle people to feel superior.
Mocking or putting people down to seem smart actually shows insecurity. Intelligence is about lifting people up, not making them feel small. People who try to prove their intelligence by tearing everyone else down often reveal more about their own doubts. Respect and empathy are signs of real strength. Intelligence builds people up instead of trying to make them feel inferior.
12. They can’t explain things simply.
If someone can’t break down complex ideas into simple terms, they might not understand them fully themselves. Real intelligence involves clarity and being able to communicate ideas in a way that other people can grasp. Over-complicating things doesn’t make ideas better; it just creates confusion. The ability to simplify shows mastery. Smart people know that clear explanations are the mark of real understanding.
13. They rely on fancy titles or credentials.
Credentials can be impressive, but people who lean too heavily on them often lack the confidence to stand on their own ideas. Intelligence is about knowledge and insight, not just degrees or titles. When someone hides behind their resume, it can suggest a lack of substance. Real intelligence goes beyond what’s on paper. It’s about continuous learning, not just credentials.
14. They focus on winning arguments, not finding truth.
For some, being right matters more than actually understanding the issue, which can be a sign of ego over intellect. True intelligence is open to new ideas and values understanding over “winning.” People who focus on proving themselves right may not be open to growth. It’s smarter to ask for a bit of clarity than to win every debate. Real insight comes from learning, not winning.
15. They pretend to “know it all” in every field.
Trying to seem knowledgeable about every topic often backfires, as real experts understand the limits of their expertise. Pretending to know it all can make someone seem less credible, as true intelligence embraces curiosity and humility. People who admit what they don’t know come across as more genuine. Learning happens when we acknowledge what we have yet to learn. Pretending to be an expert in everything usually falls flat.
16. They avoid topics they don’t understand.
When someone steers clear of topics they’re unfamiliar with, it suggests they’re more interested in looking smart than learning something new. Curiosity is one of the main calling cards of true intelligence, and shying away from unknowns shows a lack of it. Real smartness is about diving into the unfamiliar, not avoiding it. Embracing new ideas is where growth begins. Intelligence isn’t about having all the answers, but about the willingness to explore them.
