8 phrases that instantly make you sound less intelligent, according to psychology

Our words can often reveal more about us than we realize. And according to psychology, there are certain phrases that can instantly make us sound less intelligent.

It’s not about being perfect with our words, but it’s about understanding how they can impact the impression we make on others.

Let’s dive right into the eight phrases that you might want to reconsider using if you want to come across as intelligent and thoughtful.

1. “I’m not a reader”

How often do you find yourself saying this phrase? You might want to reconsider.

Reading is a habit associated with intelligence, as it is an activity that expands your knowledge, vocabulary and understanding of the world.

By declaring that you’re “not a reader”, you may unintentionally be suggesting a lack of curiosity or willingness to learn, which portrays a less intelligent image.

People assume that if you’re not reading, you’re probably not learning or growing either. And in today’s fast-paced world, continuous learning is a hallmark of intelligent individuals.

It’s okay if you’re not into novels or classic literature. Reading takes many forms, from articles and papers to non-fiction books in fields that interest you. The key is to convey a love for learning and growth.

2. “I don’t need to write it down”

This is something I’ve been guilty of saying in the past. And let me tell you, it was a mistake.

In my early days at Hack Spirit, I had this notion that being able to remember everything without jotting it down was a sign of intelligence. But boy, was I wrong. Not only did I end up forgetting important tasks and details, but I also gave off an impression of overconfidence and lack of organization.

According to psychology, writing things down does not signify a weak memory or less intelligence. Rather, it demonstrates organization, attention to detail and respect for the task at hand – all traits associated with smart individuals.

Don’t shy away from taking notes. It shows that you’re serious about your commitments and value accuracy over false pride.

3. “It’s not my fault”

This is a phrase that, when used excessively, can quickly make you seem less intelligent.

Blaming others for your mistakes or failures not only reflects poorly on your character, but it also suggests a lack of self-awareness and personal responsibility. Two traits that are generally associated with intelligence.

Now, I’m not saying you should take blame for things that are genuinely not your fault. But it’s essential to own up to your mistakes when you have made them.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve into the concept of self-awareness and how it plays a vital role in our lives. By acknowledging our faults, we demonstrate maturity and a strong understanding of our actions and their consequences.

Psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” 

4. “I already know that”

This phrase can instantly make you appear less intelligent according to psychology. Why? Because it shuts down the opportunity for learning and growth.

Declaring that you already know something, especially in an impatient or dismissive tone, can come off as arrogant and closed-minded. It gives the impression that you believe there is nothing more to learn, which is rarely the case.

Intelligent individuals are characterized by a growth mindset, an understanding that learning is a lifelong journey and there’s always something new to discover.

Renowned psychologist Carol Dweck, who coined the terms ‘fixed mindset’ and ‘growth mindset’, explains that those with a growth mindset “believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point”.

5. “I’m really busy”

This phrase might seem like a badge of honor in our productivity-obsessed society, but according to psychology, it can make you come across as less intelligent.

While it’s true that intelligent people are often engaged in various activities, constantly declaring how busy you are can convey a lack of time management skills and prioritization.

Intelligent people understand the importance of balance and the ability to manage their time effectively. They know that being “busy” doesn’t necessarily equate to being productive or successful.

People who have the time to pause, reflect, and engage in leisure activities often perform better and come up with more innovative ideas.

6. “I hate this”

Expressing strong dislike or hatred towards something can often make you seem less intelligent. It’s not about suppressing your feelings, but about how you express them.

Using the word ‘hate’ can come across as overly emotional and lacking in nuanced understanding. It suggests a black-and-white perspective, rather than an ability to see the complexity in situations or people.

Intelligent individuals usually display emotional intelligence, which includes being able to manage and express their emotions in a balanced and constructive way.

Instead of saying “I hate this”, consider explaining what specifically you don’t like or understand. This shows a willingness to engage, understand, and communicate effectively.

7. “That’s impossible”

Once, a project seemed so overwhelming, it felt like climbing Mount Everest without any training. The immediate reaction was to think, “That’s impossible”.

But this phrase can instantly make you sound less intelligent. Why? Because it reflects a fixed mindset and lack of problem-solving abilities.

Intelligent people tend to approach challenges with a “let’s figure this out” attitude rather than immediately dismissing them as impossible. They see obstacles as opportunities to learn and grow rather than insurmountable walls.

Next time you’re faced with a daunting task or problem, instead of saying “That’s impossible”, consider saying “This is challenging, but let’s see how we can tackle it”. This shift in language can change your mindset and the way others perceive your intelligence.

As the great psychologist Albert Bandura said, “In order to succeed, people need a sense of self-efficacy, to struggle together with resilience to meet the inevitable obstacles and inequities of life.”

8. “But we’ve always done it this way”

This phrase is a clear intelligence dampener. It suggests resistance to change and a lack of innovative thinking.

Intelligent people are often open to new ideas and methods. They understand that progress requires change and adaptation. Sticking to old ways simply because “we’ve always done it this way” can stifle growth and creativity.

Next time you’re tempted to use this phrase, try replacing it with something like, “That’s an interesting new approach, let’s explore it further”. This openness to new ideas can significantly enhance your perceived intelligence.

The takeaway: Words matter

Our words are powerful tools that do more than just communicate information. They reveal our character, mindset, and perceived intelligence.

These eight phrases that we’ve discussed can unintentionally make us sound less intelligent, but the good news is we’re not bound to them. With a little mindfulness, we can adjust our language to reflect the intelligent, growth-oriented individuals that we are.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I explore the power of mindful communication and self-awareness. Understanding how our words can impact others is a crucial part of this journey.

So next time you find yourself about to utter one of these phrases, pause. Reflect on what you’re truly trying to convey. Remember, it’s not just about seeming intelligent but about fostering understanding and meaningful connections through our words.