Speaking your mind is generally a good thing, but some people clearly don’t know how to read the room.
You know the type – the ones who always have an opinion, a comment, or a story to share, even if no one asked. Now, we all appreciate a good chat, but there’s a line between being outgoing and being a bit… well, gobby. So, if you’ve ever encountered someone who regularly utters these phrases, you’re not alone. They’re part of a special breed of conversationalists who always seem to have something to say, whether you like it or not.
1. “I’m not being funny, but…”
Source: Pexels Ah yes, the classic disclaimer before delivering a brutally honest opinion or a snarky remark. It’s a way of saying, “I’m about to say something that might offend you, but I’m going to say it anyway because I’m just being honest.” It’s a subtle way of shifting the blame from the speaker to the listener, implying that any offence taken is simply a matter of not being able to handle the truth.
2. “Well, I’m just saying…”
This phrase is often used to justify an opinion or a statement that might be controversial or unpopular. It’s a way of deflecting criticism by claiming that the speaker is simply expressing their viewpoint, not trying to start an argument. However, more often than not, this phrase is followed by a comment that’s designed to provoke a reaction, whether it’s a thinly veiled insult or a deliberate attempt to stir up trouble.
3. “You know what I mean?”
This is a classic filler that gobby people use to keep the conversation flowing, even when they don’t actually have anything meaningful to say. It’s a way of seeking validation and ensuring that the listener is paying attention. It’s also a way of avoiding awkward silences, which gobby people seem to abhor.
4. “To be honest…”
This is often used to preface a statement that’s supposed to be brutally honest, but is often just an opinion disguised as a fact. It’s a way of giving the speaker the illusion of credibility, as if they’re revealing some secret truth that no one else is brave enough to say. However, more often than not, it’s just a way of adding emphasis to a statement that’s already been made.
5. “I always say…”
Do you really? This is a way of subtly drawing attention to one’s own wit or wisdom by implying that they’re a fountain of quotable quotes. It’s also a way of establishing dominance in a conversation by implying that the speaker’s opinions are so valuable that they’re worth repeating.
6. “I’m not one to gossip, but…”
Source: Unsplash Before launching into a juicy bit of gossip, they may give this disclaimer. It’s a way of absolving the speaker of any responsibility for spreading rumours or hearsay, while still getting the satisfaction of sharing the information. It’s a tactic often used by gobby people who want to appear trustworthy and reliable, while still indulging their love of gossip.
7. “I’m just being straight with you…”
Source: Unsplash This is often used to soften the blow of a harsh criticism or an unwelcome truth. It’s a way of implying that the speaker is doing the listener a favour by being honest, even if it hurts. However, more often than not, this phrase is just a way of making the speaker feel better about themselves by delivering a backhanded compliment or a thinly veiled insult.
8. “As I always say to my [insert important person/celebrity]…”
Source: Unsplash This is a classic name-drop, designed to impress the listener and boost the speaker’s own ego. It’s a way of implying that the speaker is on a first-name basis with someone important or famous, even if the connection is tenuous at best. It’s a tactic often used by gobby people who want to appear more connected and influential than they actually are.
9. “That reminds me of the time when…”
Source: Unsplash A go-to opener for a gobby person ready to launch into an anecdote, this one is. It doesn’t matter whether your comment was a casual remark about the weather or a serious discussion about work; they’ll find a way to connect it to a story from their own life. The story might be funny, insightful, or completely irrelevant, but that won’t stop them from sharing it in great detail.
10. “I’m not bragging, but…”
Source: Unsplash This is the ultimate disclaimer for a humblebrag. It’s a way of drawing attention to one’s accomplishments or positive qualities while pretending to be modest. But let’s be honest, if they weren’t bragging, they wouldn’t feel the need to say it in the first place.
11. “So, here’s the thing…”
Source: Unsplash Gobby people often use this phrase to signal that they’re about to share a piece of unsolicited advice or a controversial opinion. It’s a way of commanding attention and making the listener feel like they’re about to receive some valuable insight. However, more often than not, it’s just a prelude to a lecture or a rant.
12. “You’ll never guess what happened…”
Source: Unsplash This phrase is designed to pique the listener’s curiosity and ensure that they’re hanging on the speaker’s every word. It’s a way of building suspense and creating a sense of anticipation. But be warned, the story that follows might not be as exciting as the build-up suggests.
13. “I’m not one to judge, but…”
Source: Unsplash This is another classic disclaimer before launching into a judgmental rant. It’s a way of giving the speaker the illusion of impartiality while still expressing their disapproval or disdain. It’s a tactic often used by gobby people who want to appear open-minded and accepting, while still feeling superior to everyone else.
14. “Without wanting to be rude…”
Source: Unsplash This is a thinly veiled attempt at politeness before delivering a backhanded compliment or a passive-aggressive remark. It’s a way of pretending to be considerate while still getting a dig in. It’s a favourite tactic of gobby people who want to maintain the illusion of being polite while still expressing their negativity.
15. “I’m a bit of an expert on this…”
This is a bold claim often made by gobby people who have a superficial understanding of a topic. They might have read a few articles or watched a couple of documentaries, but they consider themselves experts nonetheless. It’s a way of asserting authority and making the listener feel like they’re getting information from a reliable source, even if it’s not entirely accurate.
16. “I’m not trying to be controversial, but…”
When someone is about to blurt out an offensive opinion, they usually start with this. It’s a way of trying to deflect criticism by claiming that the speaker is not trying to cause trouble, but simply stating their honest beliefs. However, more often than not, it’s followed by a statement that’s designed to provoke a reaction or stir up debate.
17. “Trust me, I know what I’m talking about.”
This is a gobby person’s way of shutting down any dissent or disagreement. It’s a way of asserting their authority and implying that their opinion is the only one that matters. It’s a tactic often used by people who are insecure or lacking in confidence, and it’s a quick way to alienate those around them.
