Psychology reveals a lot about how we perceive intelligence. Surprisingly, it’s not always about what you say, but how you say it. And unfortunately, certain phrases can instantly lower others’ perception of your smarts.

I’ve worked my way through the research to bring you 10 phrases that, according to psychology, might make you sound less intelligent than you are.

Don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom. Once you’re aware of these phrases, you can work on avoiding them. Soon enough, your words will better reflect your true intellect.

Let’s get started. 

1) Literally…

One word that’s literally (pun intended) overused in modern conversation is “literally”.

Originally, ‘literally’ was reserved for emphasizing something that was true in the most exact sense. However, its misuse has become so commonplace that it’s now regularly used to exaggerate and over-emphasize points, often when the speaker is being metaphorical rather than literal.

Psychology suggests that this may have an unintended side effect. When you’re quick to use ‘literally’ in a non-literal context, it can make you appear less knowledgeable. Why? Because it demonstrates a lack of vocabulary and an inability to accurately articulate your point.

Now, I’m not saying that a single misuse of this word will make you appear unintelligent. But frequent misuse could lead others to question your command of language.

2) Like…

We’ve all been guilty of using filler words from time to time, myself included. One of the most common culprits is “like”.

I remember a time in college when I was presenting a project to my class. I was nervous and found myself saying “like” every other sentence. It wasn’t until a friend pointed it out afterwards that I realized how often I was using it as a crutch.

The problem with “like” and other filler words is that they can make you sound unsure or unprepared. They disrupt the flow of your speech and can be distracting for the listener.

Excessive use of filler words can give the impression that you’re lacking in confidence or clarity, ultimately making you sound less intelligent.

3) I’m not an expert, but…

Prefacing your statements with “I’m not an expert, but…” can seriously undermine the impact of your words. While it’s important to acknowledge when you’re stepping outside of your area of knowledge, this phrase can make you sound less confident in what you’re about to say.

When we qualify our statements like this, we’re essentially giving our audience permission to discount what we’re about to say. It’s as if we’re saying, “Feel free to ignore this because I don’t really know what I’m talking about.”

Instead, consider sharing where your information is coming from or simply presenting it without a qualifier. If you’re correct and articulate in your explanation, your credibility won’t need an extra boost.

4) You know what I mean?

Inserting “you know what I mean?” or similar phrases into your conversation can seem like a way to ensure your listeners are following along. However, overusing this phrase can backfire.

Psychological studies suggest that when you frequently question whether your audience understands you, it can reflect a lack of confidence in your ability to communicate effectively. It also disrupts the flow of your speech and can give the impression that you’re unsure about your points.

Instead of relying on this verbal crutch, focus on expressing your thoughts clearly and concisely. If your audience looks confused or asks for clarification, then you can further elaborate.

5) I guess…

Starting a statement with “I guess…” can make you sound indecisive and unsure, which, according to psychology, can make you appear less intelligent.

“I guess” implies that you haven’t fully formed your opinion or that you’re not confident enough to state it clearly. This can undermine the value of what you’re trying to communicate and lessen your perceived credibility.

To sound more intelligent, state your thoughts confidently. Replace “I guess” with “I believe” or “I think”. This shows that you’ve considered your viewpoint and are ready to stand by it.

6) Whatever…

We’ve all had those moments when we’re frustrated or tired and we dismissively say, “whatever”. But using this phrase, especially in professional or serious conversations, can have a negative impact on how others perceive your intelligence.

“Whatever” can come off as dismissive and indifferent. It suggests that you’re not invested enough in the conversation to provide a thoughtful response. It can also make it seem like you’re not capable of engaging with complex issues.

From a psychological standpoint, using “whatever” can make others feel like their thoughts or feelings are being trivialized. This not only diminishes their perception of your emotional intelligence but also your overall intellectual capacity.

Effective communication is about understanding and respect. So instead of resorting to “whatever”, try to engage more fully in the conversation. It will make you seem more intelligent and considerate.

7) I’m just saying…

Ever found yourself in a heated discussion and ended your argument with “I’m just saying”? I know I have. But over time, I’ve realized it’s a phrase that doesn’t do me any favors.

“I’m just saying” is often used as a way to soften the blow of a potentially controversial statement. However, psychology suggests that it can make you come across as passive-aggressive or defensive. It can also make your statement seem less thought-out or credible.

Instead, stand by your words and be prepared to engage in a healthy debate. If you truly believe in what you’re saying, there’s no need to lessen its impact with “I’m just saying”. Confidence in communication is key to sounding intelligent.

8) To be honest…

While it might seem like prefacing your statement with “to be honest” adds credibility, it can actually have the opposite effect.

Psychologists point out that using this phrase can imply that you’re not usually honest. It suggests that your default state is to be untruthful and you’re making an exception this time.

Instead of using “to be honest”, just state your thoughts or feelings directly. This gives the impression that you’re always truthful, which can make you appear more intelligent and reliable.

9) I don’t know anything about that…

Admitting when you don’t have knowledge about a certain topic is honest and can be commendable. But phrasing it as “I don’t know anything about that…” can make you sound less intelligent.

According to psychology, this phrase can create the impression of a lack of curiosity or willingness to learn. It suggests that you’ve closed the door on acquiring new knowledge about the topic.

Instead of using this phrase, try saying something like, “I’m not familiar with that, could you tell me more?” This shows an openness to learning, which is a key indicator of intelligence.

10) It’s not rocket science…

While it might seem like a casual way to say that something isn’t complicated, using the phrase “it’s not rocket science” can have a negative impact on how others perceive your intelligence.

This phrase can come off as condescending and dismissive of other people’s struggles to understand something. It suggests a lack of empathy and understanding, which are both key components of emotional intelligence.

Moreover, intelligence is not just about understanding complex theories or being able to solve intricate problems. It’s also about being able to communicate effectively and respecting others’ perspectives and experiences.

Wrapping it up: It’s all about perception

Renowned linguist and philosopher, Noam Chomsky, once said, “Language is a process of free creation; its laws and principles are fixed, but the manner in which the principles of generation are used is free and infinitely varied.”

This freedom in language allows us to communicate our thoughts, ideas, and emotions in a unique manner. But with this freedom comes the responsibility of choosing our words wisely.

The phrases we’ve explored today, according to psychology, might cause others to question our intellectual capacity. But remember, intelligence is not defined by a single phrase or conversation. It’s an amalgamation of our knowledge, wisdom, empathy, curiosity, and ability to learn.

So before you speak next time, take a moment to reflect on your choice of words. Could they be perceived in a way that doesn’t truly represent your intelligence? If so, consider choosing a different phrase. It might just change how people perceive you.