Mia Zhang
You know, being classy isn’t just about what you wear or how you carry yourself. It’s also about the words you choose to use.
There’s plenty of phrases we use in our daily conversation that, unbeknownst to us, might be bringing down our class quotient. And trust me, it’s not about being high-browed or snobbish; it’s about conveying your thoughts eloquently and tastefully.
So, I’m here to share 9 phrases that are better left unsaid if you’re aiming for that 99% classier vibe. Stick with me, and let’s clean up our vocabulary together!
1) “Whatever”
There’s no denying it – we’re all guilty of using this word more than we probably should.
“Whatever” is one of those phrases that slips out when we’re feeling dismissive or indifferent. It’s a conversation stopper, a way of saying, “I don’t care”.
And that, my friends, is not classy.
Being classy is about showing respect to others, even when you disagree with them or you’re bored by the topic. It’s about engaging meaningfully in conversations and showing that you value other people’s thoughts and opinions.
So instead of shutting down dialogue with a dismissive “whatever”, try to articulate your thoughts more clearly. Say why you disagree or suggest a change of topic if the conversation isn’t interesting to you.
Trust me, replacing “whatever” with thoughtful responses will immediately make you 99% classier.
2) “Like”
Let me tell you a little story. A few years back, I caught myself saying “like” every other sentence. It was, like, my favorite filler word, you know?
I’d be in meetings and say things like “We should, like, consider this option” or “I feel like we need to change our approach”. It was only when a colleague pointed it out that I realized how often I was using the word and how it was diluting the impact of my statements.
“Like” is a word that’s crept into our vocabulary and taken up residence, especially among younger speakers. But overusing it can make you sound unsure or immature – not exactly the image you want to project if you’re aiming for classy.
I made a conscious effort to eliminate “like” from my language unless it was necessary for the sentence. And let me tell you, it made a huge difference in how people perceived me.
Try it yourself. You’ll be amazed at how much classier you’ll sound without the constant “likes”.
3) “Literally”
The word “literally” has had a rough time lately. It’s been misused and overused to the point where it’s lost its original meaning. Originally, “literally” was used to emphasize that something was not figurative or exaggerated – it was the absolute truth.
But nowadays, many people use “literally” as a hyperbole, to exaggerate their expressions. Statements like “I literally died laughing” or “I’m literally starving” are common, but incorrect.
Misusing “literally” can make you sound less knowledgeable and less classy.
4) “Just”
Here’s something you might not have noticed – the word “just” has a sneaky way of undermining your statements and making you sound less confident.
“Can I just say something?” or “I just think that…” are phrases we often use without realizing their impact. By adding “just,” we’re indirectly apologizing or diminishing the value of our words before we’ve even spoken.
If you want to come across as confident and classy, try removing “just” from your vocabulary. Stand by your thoughts and opinions without feeling the need to minimize them. You’ll find that your words carry more weight, and you’ll command respect in any conversation.
5) “You know what I mean?”
This phrase often slips into our conversation when we are unsure if our point is getting across. While it seems harmless, “you know what I mean?” can actually make you appear insecure about your own thoughts and opinions.
Class is often associated with confidence, and constantly seeking validation for your points can undermine that. Instead, trust in the clarity of your communication and let your statements stand on their own. If someone doesn’t understand, they’ll ask for clarification.
Eliminating “you know what I mean?” from your vocabulary will not only make you sound classier but also more self-assured.
6) “I don’t care”
These three words might seem harmless, but they can carry a lot of weight. Saying “I don’t care” frequently can make you come across as indifferent, dismissive, or even rude.
On my journey to become classier, I learned that a big part of it is about showing empathy, respect, and interest in others. It’s about being sensitive to those around you and understanding their feelings and perspectives.
So instead of saying “I don’t care”, try expressing your lack of interest in a more compassionate way. You could say, “I respect your opinion, but I see it differently,” or “I understand your point of view, but mine is different.”
It’s these small changes that can make a world of difference to how people perceive you, making you appear 99% classier.
7) “I can’t”
A few years back, I realized that “I can’t” was a regular part of my vocabulary. It was my go-to phrase whenever I was faced with a challenging situation or when I doubted my abilities.
The issue with “I can’t” is that it immediately sets up a barrier. It implies defeat without even trying. And that’s not the image of a classy person who embraces challenges and believes in their potential.
As for me, I decided to replace “I can’t” with “I’ll try”. This simple swap transformed my mindset. It made me more open to possibilities and pushed me to step out of my comfort zone.
Substitute “I can’t” with “I’ll try” or “I’ll find a way”. It’s a small change that can significantly elevate your classiness quotient.
8) “I hate”
Hate is a strong word, and using it frequently can make you seem negative or even aggressive. It’s far from the calm, composed, and respectful image that embodies classiness.
Saying “I hate broccoli” or “I hate this song” might seem harmless, but it’s still spreading negativity. And being classy is all about positivity and respect, even for things that aren’t to your taste.
Instead of saying “I hate”, you could say “I prefer not to” or “It’s not my favorite”. It’s a more gentle and classy way of expressing dislike without spreading negativity.
9) “Swearing”
Profanity might seem like a quick way to express frustration, but it’s far from classy. Regularly using foul language can come across as disrespectful and unrefined.
A classy individual knows how to articulate their thoughts and emotions without resorting to profanity. They choose their words carefully to convey their point without offending or disrespecting others.
Are aiming to be 99% classier than you are? Eliminate swearing from your vocabulary. You’ll find that your language becomes more respectful, more refined, and yes, classier.
Final thoughts
Language is more than just a tool for communication; it’s a reflection of who we are. The phrases we use and the words we choose can significantly impact how others perceive us.
When striving to be classier, it’s not just about changing our wardrobe or manners, but also about fine-tuning our vocabulary. It’s about expressing our thoughts and feelings in a respectful, positive, and composed manner.
Eliminating these nine phrases from your vocabulary is just one step towards being 99% classier. It’s not an overnight transformation, but a gradual process that requires practice and mindfulness.
So, the next time you find yourself about to utter one of these phrases, take a moment to pause. Reflect on your choice of words and see if there’s a classier alternative.
Being classy isn’t about putting on airs or trying to be someone you’re not. It’s about showing respect, embracing positivity, and valuing meaningful communication.
And that starts with the words you choose to use.
