10 words you should stop using if you want to sound classy and refined

There’s a distinct line between sounding sophisticated and just plain pretentious.

The key lies within your choice of words. Using certain words might unknowingly portray you as snobbish, rather than refined.

Being classy and refined isn’t about using complicated words to impress others. It’s about expressing yourself clearly and respectfully, while maintaining an element of elegance.

This is why I’ve assembled a list of 10 words that you should avoid if you’re aiming for that classy and refined vibe.

Look out for these, and you’ll have a head start in sounding more sophisticated and less pretentious.

1) Literally

One word that has been mercilessly battered and misused in recent years is “literally”.

Originally intended to emphasize the factual accuracy of a statement, it’s now often used for hyperbolic effect. And trust me, there’s nothing classy or refined about misusing words.

By substituting “literally” with more precise language, or eliminating it altogether when it’s unnecessary, you can instantly elevate your conversation style.

So next time you’re tempted to say “I literally died laughing”, instead try “I couldn’t stop laughing”. It sounds more sophisticated, and avoids the incorrect use of a word that is, literally, about accuracy.

Remember, being classy isn’t about using big words, it’s about using the right ones.

2) Like

Admittedly, this is one I’ve struggled with myself. The word “like” has infiltrated our everyday speech in a way that’s quite staggering.

It’s often used as a filler word, or to introduce quotations and paraphrase. But it’s not very classy, and it can make you sound less confident and articulate than you actually are.

I remember a time when I was giving a presentation to a group of colleagues. Afterwards, one of them pointed out that I had said “like” over 20 times in a span of 10 minutes. I was mortified, and immediately set about correcting this habit.

Now, I consciously pause when I feel the urge to use “like” as a filler word, or I substitute it with more refined phrasing.

Instead of saying “It was like really cold”, you could say “It was exceptionally cold”. This simple switch can make a world of difference in how you’re perceived.

3) Ain’t

“Ain’t” is one of those words that can instantly lower the tone of your conversation. While it might be acceptable in informal chats with friends, it’s definitely not a word that screams ‘classy and refined’.

Despite its widespread usage, “ain’t” remains nonstandard English and is often associated with casual, colloquial language. Interestingly, it first appeared in the 18th century as a contraction of “am not”, but quickly became stigmatized due to its use in nonstandard dialects.

Instead of using “ain’t”, opt for “isn’t”, “aren’t”, “haven’t”, or another appropriate contraction. Your speech will sound more polished, and your listeners will certainly notice the difference.

4) Swear words

This may seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. Swearing, while sometimes used for emphasis or comedic effect, is generally not seen as classy or refined.

Sure, we all let a curse word slip out now and then, especially in informal situations among friends or in times of frustration. However, habitual swearing can create a negative impression and lead others to view you as less sophisticated.

Instead of relying on swear words to express strong emotion or emphasis, try expanding your vocabulary with more expressive language. Using words such as “astonishing”, “exhilarating”, or “infuriating” can make your speech more colorful and interesting without crossing into unrefined territory.

5) Stuff

“Stuff” is one of those words that is incredibly vague and can make your language seem lazy and unrefined.

Whether you’re referring to material possessions, ideas, work, or even food, there’s almost always a more precise word you could use instead.

Next time you find yourself about to say “stuff”, pause and think about what you’re really trying to communicate. Are you talking about clothes? Then say “clothes”. Are you talking about ideas? Then say “ideas”.

Being specific not only makes you sound more sophisticated, it also makes your communication much clearer.

6) Hate

“Hate” is a strong word that can easily come off as harsh or overly negative, neither of which align with a classy and refined image.

The word is often casually thrown around in everyday conversations, “I hate broccoli,” or “I hate traffic,” but this strong language can create a negative aura around your speech.

Instead of using “hate”, try expressing your dislike in a less intense way. You could say, “I prefer not to eat broccoli,” or “traffic can be frustrating”.

This not only sounds more refined, but it also promotes a more positive and open-minded image. After all, being classy isn’t just about how you sound, but also about the attitudes and values you project.

7) Whatever

“Whatever” can be a dangerous word. It might seem harmless, but it often carries a dismissive or indifferent tone, which can be off-putting to others.

I recall using “whatever” in a conversation with a dear friend when we were discussing a topic we disagreed on. Instead of engaging further, I ended the conversation with a curt “whatever”. I later realized that my dismissive response had hurt my friend’s feelings and made me seem uninterested in their perspective.

Now, I strive to replace “whatever” with phrases that show I value the other person’s opinion, even if I don’t agree with it. A simple “let’s agree to disagree” or “I see your point, but I have a different viewpoint” can go a long way in maintaining respect and class in your communication.

8) Irregardless

Here’s one that may surprise you. “Irregardless” is often used in an attempt to sound more formal or intelligent. However, it’s not actually a word recognized by most dictionaries and style guides.

In fact, it’s a blend of two words: “irrespective” and “regardless”, both of which are perfectly good words on their own. Using “irregardless” can actually make you seem less knowledgeable, despite your best intentions.

So, if you’re looking to express the same sentiment, stick with “regardless”. It’s concise, correct, and certainly a classier choice.

9) I seen

Although it’s a common error, saying “I seen” instead of “I’ve seen” or “I saw” is a surefire way to sound less refined.

The phrase “I seen” is grammatically incorrect and can make you appear less educated or sophisticated than you actually are.

Remembering to use the correct past tense forms of verbs can make a significant difference in how you’re perceived. It’s not about being pedantic, it’s about communicating clearly and effectively, which is the essence of class and refinement.

10) Very

“Very” is a word we resort to when we’re looking for emphasis, but it’s also one of the most overused words in the English language.

Instead of adding “very” before an adjective, try using a stronger, more descriptive adjective. Instead of saying “very good”, say “excellent”. Instead of “very big”, say “enormous”.

This simple change can instantly make your speech more powerful and sophisticated. After all, refinement isn’t about using complicated language, it’s about using precise language. And that’s the real secret to sounding classy.

Words as a reflection of self

At the heart of it all, language is more than just a tool for communication. It’s a reflection of who we are, how we think, and how we want to be perceived by others.

The words we choose to use can have a profound impact on these perceptions. They can either elevate us, making us appear more refined and classy, or they can bring us down, making us seem less sophisticated.

Opting for precision over vagueness, respect over dismissal, and understanding over indifference not only enhances our language but also our relationships with others.

Choosing to refine our language is not just about sounding fancy or impressing people. It’s about being mindful of our words and the effect they have on others. It’s about striving for clarity, respect, and understanding in every conversation we engage in.

As the late Maya Angelou once said, “Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning.”

So let’s choose our words wisely, infuse them with meaning, and let them reflect the classy and refined individuals we strive to be.