Clueless People Who Want To Sound Impressive Often Say 6 Fake-Smart Phrases
VH-studio | Shutterstock Whether someone lacks the right words or it's outside their expertise, it can be humiliating not to know exactly what to say. In fact, they may settle for one of the many fake-smart phrases that make people appear like they know what they're talking about even when they don't have a damn clue.
Clueless people who want to sound smart often use these phrases:
1. 'It's a bit more nuanced than that'
fizkes | Shutterstock
According to a study published in the Journal of Neuroscience, the human brain is more susceptible to placing added value on the opinions of confident people. So, if someone sounds confident, those around them are more likely to value their opinion. That said, while sounding confident is great, it's better to talk about what you know than to pretend to know something you don't quite grasp — and that's where a phrase like this comes in. It sounds like something a smart person would say, but it doesn't really say anything at all.
2. 'We're dealing with a lot of moving parts here'
fizkes | Shutterstock
Fake-smart people love to throw around plenty of corporate jargon in work meetings. In the moment, it might feel tempting to go along with phrases that don't mean much, but many people silently nod along, listening to words that literally make no sense. When someone uses this phrase, they're simply summarizing everyone's point by pointing out just how many different perspectives and options are on the table, which says what, really? Not much.
3. 'It's really about finding the right framework'
fizkes | Shutterstock
It's a situation many know all too well. Someone's working hard when a co-worker or boss asks a question they have no idea how to answer. They may want to blurt out the first thing that comes to mind, whether it's right or wrong. But if they're truly clueless and don't know what to say, they may use, "It's really about finding the right framework, which we can explore after I'm finished."
4. 'You have to read in between the lines'
Ground Picture | Shutterstock
One phrase fake-impressive people often use when they don't know what they're talking about is "You have to read between the lines," a line they use to buy time to think of something better to say. This phrase can pressure the other person to think while relieving the speaker of responsibility, as they pretend to know what they're talking about even if they're totally clueless.
5. 'It's less about what and more about why'
Jacob Lund | Shutterstock
Even if someone doesn't know exactly what they're talking about, they can change the subject or contribute something by saying, "It's less about what and more about why." Even if they don't know the "why" themselves (and let's be honest, they probably don't), using this phrase lets others brainstorm, gets them off the hook, and nudges people around them to see them as competent.
6. 'It's not always about having the right answer, it's about asking the right questions'
Pressmaster | Shutterstock
Under pressure, faux-smart folks use phrases that make them sound like they're adding value and depth to the conversation, even when they're not. They will skip asking smart questions in favor of giving vague answers. While this phrase can start a conversation, it can also let them off the hook for doing any critical thinking.
Marielisa Reyes is a writer with a bachelor's degree in psychology who covers self-help, relationships, career, family, and astrology topics.
