If someone uses big words to sound smart, they’re probably not. If someone speaks in clichés, they might be lacking original thought.

Understanding human communication isn’t always simple.

In fact, navigating the labyrinth of human conversation requires more than just a good ear. It also requires an understanding of certain speech patterns and phrases.

Now, some folks have a knack for this. They can hear a few words and immediately gauge the intelligence of the speaker.

In this article, let’s delve into 8 phrases that, more often than not, are used by people with below-average intelligence in everyday conversation. 

1) Overuse of intensifiers

Words like really, very, and extremely can be sprinkled throughout a conversation to add emphasis.

But here’s the thing – when these intensifiers become the bread and butter of a person’s vocabulary, it could be a red flag.

People with below-average intelligence often overuse these words because they struggle to find more specific, descriptive language. They might say something is “really good” instead of “exquisite” or “very bad” instead of “dreadful”.

This isn’t necessarily a hard and fast rule, though. It’s merely an observation that could potentially hint at a lack in linguistic creativity or comprehension.

And let’s remember – communication is key! So, it’s not about judging, but about understanding how we could enhance our own language skills for clearer communication.

2) Repeating the same stories

Ever sat down with someone and heard them tell the same anecdote, not once, not twice, but multiple times? I have.

I remember a friend of mine who would always tell the story of how he got lost in a foreign country. I heard it so many times that I could recite it word-for-word.

While it was entertaining the first couple of times, it soon became clear that he didn’t have much else to talk about. This repetition can sometimes indicate a lack of intellectual depth.

We’re not here to judge people for what they say but rather understand the patterns that might give us an insight into their intelligence level. And as always, it’s all about improving our own communication skills too!

3) Binge-watching reality TV

According to a study published in the journal “Poetics”, there’s a strong correlation between low intelligence and high enjoyment of reality TV shows.

In everyday conversation, people with below-average intelligence tend to reference these shows frequently, often using them as a touchstone for their opinions or life experiences.

But hey, we all have our guilty pleasures, right? The point here isn’t to make anyone feel bad for their TV choices.

It’s to understand how our conversational habits might reflect on our cognitive abilities – and how we can continually strive to improve the quality of our communication.

4) Using clichés as a crutch

Clichés are everywhere. They’re in our books, our movies, and yes, our everyday conversations.

Now, using a cliché every now and then isn’t necessarily a bad thing. They’re common because they’re relatable and easy to understand. However, relying on them too heavily can be a sign of below-average intelligence.

Why? Well, it’s simple. Clichés require little to no original thought. They’re pre-packaged phrases that we use when we can’t, or don’t want to, come up with something more unique or thoughtful.

The next time you find yourself reaching for a cliché in a conversation, try to push yourself to think of a more original way to express your thoughts. It’s not only good for your brain – it will also make your conversations more engaging.

5) Resorting to insults in disagreements

We’ve all been there. A conversation heats up, disagreements arise, and tempers flare.

But here’s what I’ve noticed. Those with below-average intelligence often resort to personal insults when they’re backed into a corner in a debate or argument.

I’ve been on the receiving end of these insults a few times, and let me tell you, it’s never pleasant. But it gave me an insight. These folks often struggle to articulate their viewpoints clearly and logically, so they resort to attacking the person instead of addressing the issue at hand.

It’s easy to throw an insult, but it takes intelligence and emotional maturity to engage in respectful and meaningful discourse. And that’s what we should strive for in our everyday conversations.

6) Boasting about intelligence

Ironically, those who constantly brag about their intelligence in everyday conversations can sometimes be the ones who lack it.

You see, truly intelligent people understand that there’s always more to learn. They’re humble about their knowledge and aware of their limitations.

On the other hand, those with below-average intelligence often feel the need to assert their smartness, perhaps as a way to mask their insecurities.

So, the next time someone begins a sentence with “I’m not showing off, but I’m really smart…”, take it with a grain of salt. Remember, intelligence isn’t about how much you know, it’s about recognizing how much more there is to know!

7) Struggling with abstract concepts

Ever had a conversation where you’re trying to explain a complex idea or abstract concept, and the other person just can’t seem to grasp it?

People with below-average intelligence often struggle with these kinds of discussions. They may find it hard to understand things that can’t be seen, touched, or directly experienced.

For instance, they might have difficulty understanding metaphors or expressing their feelings, which are both abstract in nature.

Understanding this can help us communicate more effectively with others by using simpler language or concrete examples when discussing complex ideas. After all, we’re not just about sounding smart – we’re about making sure our ideas are understood.

8) Generalizing complex issues

Here’s the big one. People with below-average intelligence often oversimplify complex issues. They tend to see the world in black and white, ignoring the shades of grey that make up most of our reality.

This is most evident in conversations about controversial or nuanced topics, like politics or social issues. They might make sweeping statements, ignoring the complexities and intricacies that these discussions require.

The ability to understand, appreciate, and discuss complexity is a hallmark of intelligence. So, the next time you’re in a heated debate, try to see the multiple perspectives and layers of the issue at hand.

It’s not just about winning an argument – it’s about gaining a deeper understanding of our complex world.

Wrapping it up

As we navigate our way through the maze of everyday conversation, it becomes abundantly clear that intelligence isn’t about using big words or flaunting our knowledge. It’s about understanding, respecting complexities, and continuously learning.

Remember, the phrases and habits we’ve discussed here aren’t definitive proof of low intelligence. They’re merely indicators that might give us some insight. And more importantly, they highlight areas where we can all strive to improve our communication skills.

As Albert Einstein once said, “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”

So let’s not judge anyone for their conversations or their intelligence. Instead, let’s focus on enhancing our own understanding and communication skills. After all, the true measure of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.

As we reflect on this, let’s remember that every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new – about others, about the world, and about ourselves.