The way we speak says a lot about us, more than we often realize. And according to psychology, there are certain phrases that are commonly used by people with a lower IQ.

Don’t get me wrong – we all have our moments of poor choice of words or less-than-brilliant remarks. But I’m talking about specific phrases that seem to be a staple in the everyday conversation of low IQ individuals.

In this article, I’ll be sharing 7 of these phrases. You might find them surprising, and maybe even recognize a few. Remember, knowledge is power – understanding these phrases might just give you an edge in deciphering the intelligence level of your conversation partner.

Let’s dive into the world of words and uncover these telltale phrases. But remember, it’s not about judging people – it’s about understanding communication better.

1) “I’m not a book person”

It’s a universal truth – knowledge expands our horizons and enhances our understanding of the world. And a key source of gaining that knowledge is books.

When you come across someone saying, “I’m not a book person,” it can be quite revealing. According to psychology, individuals with lower IQ levels often show a lack of interest in reading or learning from written material.

This aversion to books isn’t about the preference for other mediums. It signifies a reluctance to engage in activities that stimulate intellectual growth and thought processes.

People who steer clear of books are often missing out on the opportunity for ‘directed thinking’ and thereby limiting their intellectual growth.

Next time when you hear someone say, “I’m not a book person,” it might be a hint about their IQ level. And this is not about judging them. It’s about understanding their communication approach better.

2) “I can’t be bothered to…”

We’ve all been there, right? You suggest an idea or ask someone to do something, and they reply with, “I can’t be bothered to…”

From my personal experience, I’ve found this phrase to be a common response from people who are not so keen on stretching their mental muscles.

I remember when I asked my colleague, let’s call him Bob, to attend a professional development seminar with me. His response? “I can’t be bothered to listen to those boring talks.”

Well, not every talk is going to be a blockbuster movie, Bob. But it does give us an opportunity to learn new things and expand our knowledge base.

When someone says they can’t be bothered, they are shutting down the possibility of discovering something new.

So, while we all have our “can’t be bothered” moments, remember that this phrase when used frequently could indicate a lower IQ level. But as always, it’s about understanding more than judging.

3) “That’s just the way it is”

Ever tried having a deep, thoughtful discussion and ended up with the response, “That’s just the way it is”?

This phrase often indicates a lack of curiosity or willingness to question the status quo. It signifies a disinterest in exploring different perspectives or seeking a deeper understanding.

Have you ever wondered why the sky is blue? Why do we yawn? Why does cutting onions make us cry? The world is full of questions, and answering them leads to knowledge and growth.

The renowned psychologist Carl Rogers said, “The very essence of the creative is its novelty, and hence we have no standard by which to judge it.” In other words, creativity comes from questioning ‘the way it is’ and imagining ‘what could be.’

So, when someone frequently uses the phrase “That’s just the way it is,” it may hint at a lower IQ. But remember, this isn’t about labeling people. It’s about understanding how our language can reflect our thinking patterns.

4) “I hate change”

Change is a part of life. It can be challenging, but it’s often necessary for growth and development. But what if someone constantly says, “I hate change”?

This phrase could indicate a lack of adaptability. People with lower IQs can struggle with adapting to new situations or environments, as suggested by a study conducted by the University of Illinois.

The research found that individuals with higher IQs were more adaptable and could handle unexpected changes better. On the other hand, those with lower IQs had a harder time coping with change.

So, when you hear someone frequently saying, “I hate change,” it might not just be about their comfort zone. It could be revealing something about their cognitive abilities.

Again, it’s not about judging people but understanding them better. After all, each one of us has our own unique strengths and weaknesses.

5) “I’m always right”

We’ve all met that one person who simply cannot be wrong. You know the one, always insisting, “I’m always right.”

I recall a friend of mine who would always argue until everyone agreed with him. It wasn’t about seeking the truth or understanding different perspectives but about proving he was right.

This attitude isn’t just stubborn; it could indicate a lower IQ. Maintaining such a stance shows a lack of critical thinking and an inability to accept new information that contradicts one’s beliefs.

Admitting we’re wrong paves the way for such change.

So, when you encounter someone who stubbornly holds onto their “I’m always right” attitude, it might say more about their cognitive abilities than their stubbornness. 

6) “I don’t need help”

Ironically, saying “I don’t need help” can sometimes be a cry for help. It might seem counterintuitive, but hear me out.

When someone constantly insists they don’t need help, it could indicate their struggle with acknowledging their limitations or their fear of appearing weak. You see, this could be a sign of low emotional intelligence, which is closely linked to our overall IQ.

Acknowledging our need for help requires this honesty with ourselves.

So, when you hear someone frequently saying, “I don’t need help,” it might be hinting at more than just their independence. It could be revealing something about their overall intelligence. But as always, our goal isn’t to judge but to understand better.

7) “It’s all their fault”

The blame game is not a good look for anyone. When someone frequently says, “It’s all their fault,” it could be a sign of lower IQ.

Taking responsibility for our actions requires self-awareness, a key component of emotional intelligence.

Renowned psychologist Daniel Goleman said, “Self-awareness is not an attention that gets carried away by emotions, by thoughts, by sensations. It’s something that can stand apart from them all.”

So, if you come across someone who is always blaming others, it might reveal something about their cognitive abilities. But remember, it’s more about understanding than judging.

Final thoughts

Weaving through the tapestry of human communication, we’ve shed light on some phrases that might be indicative of a lower IQ.

The fascinating world of psychology presents us with these insights, not for judgment or ridicule, but for better understanding.

People are complex and multifaceted, and the language they use is just one thread in the intricate web of their personalities. So, while these phrases might offer some insight into someone’s cognitive abilities, they are by no means definitive.

After all, it’s the uniqueness of our thoughts, words, and actions that make us who we are. Here’s to celebrating this wondrous diversity within us all.