Sometimes people pretend to be dim or lack comprehension skills for a variety of reasons.
Whether they want to get out of a task they don’t want to take on or they feel insecure about their intelligence, being around someone who plays dumb can be a bewildering and frustrating experience. So, how do you know whether someone’s doing this or they’re legitimately a bit thick? Here’s how you know they’re putting it on.
1. Their level of understanding fluctuates suspiciously.
When someone is playing dumb, you might notice that their comprehension seems to vary depending on the situation. They might show a clear understanding of complex topics one moment, then claim ignorance about simpler things the next. Such blatant inconsistency can be a red flag that they’re selectively choosing when to appear knowledgeable.
2. They ask questions they should already know the answers to.
If someone repeatedly asks questions about topics or information they’ve previously demonstrated knowledge of, it could be a sign of playing dumb. Their behaviour might be an attempt to deflect responsibility or avoid certain tasks. Pay attention to whether their questions align with their known experiences or expertise.
3. Their body language doesn’t match their claimed confusion.
When genuinely confused, people often display certain physical cues like furrowed brows or a tilted head. If someone claims not to understand, but their body language appears relaxed or even amused, they might be feigning ignorance. Watch for mismatches between their words and non-verbal signals.
4. They use overly simplistic language when they’re capable of more.
A person playing dumb might deliberately use basic vocabulary or simplistic expressions, even though you’ve heard them speak more eloquently before. Their intentional dumbing down of language can be a strategy to appear less knowledgeable or competent than they actually are.
5. They selectively forget important details.
Someone pretending not to know might conveniently forget crucial information while remembering less important details. If they show a pattern of ‘forgetting’ things that would implicate them or require them to take action, but easily recall other facts, they might be playing dumb.
6. Their confusion disappears when it’s advantageous.
Pay attention to how quickly their supposed lack of understanding vanishes when it benefits them. If someone claims not to grasp a concept but suddenly shows full comprehension when it works in their favour, they might have been feigning ignorance all along.
7. They exaggerate their reactions to simple explanations.
When someone is playing dumb, they might overdo their responses to basic information. Excessive nodding, exaggerated ‘aha’ moments, or over-the-top gratitude for simple explanations can be signs that they’re putting on an act of learning something they already knew.
8. They deflect questions by asking more questions.
A person pretending not to understand might respond to questions with their own questions to avoid giving a direct answer. This tactic can be a way to shift focus away from their knowledge or responsibility. If they consistently respond to queries with deflective questions, they might be playing dumb.
9. Their ignorance is surprisingly specific.
Sometimes, people playing dumb will claim ignorance about very specific aspects of a situation while being knowledgeable about related matters. Their selective lack of knowledge, especially when it’s convenient, can be a sign that they’re pretending not to know certain things.
10. They use humour to deflect serious questions.
Source: Unsplash When faced with questions they don’t want to answer, someone playing dumb might resort to jokes or humour. It can be a way to lighten the mood and divert attention from their supposed lack of knowledge. If they consistently use humour to avoid direct responses, it could be a sign of feigned ignorance.
11. Their ‘confusion’ often leads to other people doing their work.
Source: Unsplash A person playing dumb might use their supposed lack of understanding to shirk responsibilities. If their claimed ignorance frequently results in other people taking over their tasks or making decisions for them, it could be a deliberate strategy to avoid work or accountability.
12. They show sudden comprehension when pressured.
Source: Unsplash When someone is genuinely confused, increased pressure rarely leads to sudden understanding. However, a person playing dumb might suddenly ‘get it’ when faced with consequences or ultimatums. Such a rapid shift in comprehension can indicate that they understood all along.
13. They misinterpret things in ways that benefit them.
Source: Unsplash Someone pretending not to understand might consistently misinterpret information in ways that work to their advantage. If their ‘misunderstandings’ always seem to benefit them or get them out of undesirable situations, it could be a sign of deliberate misinterpretation rather than genuine confusion.
14. They repeat questions that have already been answered.
Source: Unsplash If someone keeps asking the same questions even after receiving clear answers, they might be playing dumb. Their behaviour can be a stalling tactic or a way to feign confusion. Pay attention to whether they’re genuinely asking for clarification or just repeating queries unnecessarily.
15. Their ‘ignorance’ is inconsistent with their background or experience.
Source: Unsplash Consider the person’s education, work history, and life experiences. If their claimed lack of knowledge doesn’t align with what you know about their background, they might be playing dumb. Be wary of someone who seems ignorant about topics they should be familiar with based on their past.
16. They become defensive when their knowledge is questioned.
Someone genuinely lacking knowledge usually welcomes explanations. If a person becomes irritated or defensive when you question their supposed ignorance or offer information, it could indicate they’re pretending not to know. Their extreme defensiveness might stem from fear of being caught in the act of playing dumb.
