People Who Want To Sound Smarter & More Important Than They Are Usually Say 10 Phrases In Casual Conversation
syedfahadghazanfar | Shutterstock Sometimes, when things just aren't going the way they want, faux-intelligent people pretend things are actually better than they are. The same goes for people who don't necessarily have the skills or mindset to accomplish something, but convince themselves otherwise.
Maybe it's manifesting as positive outcomes or simply changing how they respond to the world around them, but it's really all about confidence. These people love to sound smart and important, all in an effort to get what they want most. But soon enough, others will figure out the game they're playing.
People who want to sound smarter than they really are say these things casually:
1. 'I know someone who can help you out'
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When someone uses this phrase, they are showing concern, but not necessarily the know-how to solve this specific problem. They acknowledge the issue, but let the person asking for help know that other input may be necessary.
According to Raymond A. Mason School of Business at William & Mary, the skill of problem-solving is what separates people into leadership positions at companies. It wasn't about who reached the solution first; rather, it was about who could detect the root cause of the problem. Telling someone you have the resources to get them help is just one part of being an intelligent person; it also shows that even though they don't have the expertise, they are smart enough to recommend someone who does.
2. 'I've been there before'
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Imagine having a conversation with a colleague about traveling and talking about your experiences. You wouldn't want the other person to dominate the conversation; rather, you'd want some input on where to go and what to see. One of the phrases people use to sound more important than they are involves skirting around the subject altogether by being just vague enough.
For example, they may share their experience in another country with the other person and encourage them to check it out for themselves. By saying this phrase, the person is explaining that they are well-traveled, even if they aren't. The point is that they sound confident, and this will convince others that they are an important person with connections all over the world.
3. 'My schedule is full, but let me see if I can squeeze you in'
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Saying this phrase is a power move, especially in the corporate world. The person saying it is saying they are so busy that it's impossible to make time for someone, but they still leave open the possibility that they may be able to fit them in. In a work setting, this can convince others that you're organized, put together, and have your day planned out.
4. 'I barely worked on that but still managed to finish on time'
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Most organized people usually finish tasks on time. But people who just want to sound important puff up their chests with confidence at times to reassure others that a certain task was easy, even if it realistically took them more time than they're letting on.
5. 'Things like that just come naturally to me'
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Natural talent is hard to come by, and faux-smart people know this, using this phrase to sound more important than they are. They make themselves appear incredibly skilled, as if they don't even have to try to be successful.
And while a study published in Child Development found that naturally talented people are just as competent at doing tasks as hard workers, being naturally talented could also be seen as a negative thing. Some people may feel like they're entitled to better opportunities because of their God-given talent. People who lack the natural talent to do something carry themselves with such confidence and certainty that it's hard to argue otherwise.
6. 'Sorry I can't, I have things to take care of'
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Even if people like this don't actually have plans or responsibilities to take care of, they seem more mysterious. They don't want to make themselves so available to everyone all the time and want others to feel their absence and wonder what they're missing.
7. 'I just got this new thing'
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One of the phrases fake-important people use to sound more important than they are involves mentioning a new item — usually a luxury one — they recently purchased; they likely don't actually possess it but want to appear powerful. Perhaps it's a new car, a bottle of expensive champagne, designer-label clothing, or a new bag. Whatever it may be, these types show off in a way that persuades others to believe what they're saying is true.
8. 'Things were different back in my day'
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This isn't just a phrase older people use frequently; it's also uttered by people who want to sound more important than they are. Over the years, customs and traditions are bound to change, and these types of folks use this to their advantage. By discussing how much things have changed, they are essentially explaining that they are well-versed in certain areas and have the expertise to handle whatever comes their way. And though they may not believe they can control everything, it's about how they deal with life's ups and downs.
9. 'This place has the best food'
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Even if they don't really know the best restaurants or hot spots in town, when they use this phrase, they sound more important than they are. Because to them, it's not about the food, but about the potential connections they can make and the insider knowledge they supposedly have.
10. 'I've never heard about that, I'll look into it when I have time'
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People use phrases like this to convince others they are important, even when they aren't. They want to hear people out, and by saying this phrase, they are explaining that they are open to new perspectives, but on their own time. They aren't going to simply accept information as fact; rather, they want to do their own research. They won't jump to conclusions without looking at the situation or problem from all angles, but the catch is? They'll do it when it's convenient for them.
A survey from Pew Research Center found that the majority of Americans (81%) rely on their own research, whereas 43% rely on friends and family and 31% rely on professional experts. Some people may prefer their own opinions to facts, which can end a conversation rather than learning something new.
Sylvia Ojeda is an author with a decade of experience writing novels and screenplays. She covers self-help, relationships, culture, and human interest topics.
