Words are powerful. 

They are the greatest insight we get into the minds of others.  

They portray a person’s way of viewing the world, their values, biases, hangups, motivations, and their refinement.  

In fact, nothing communicates class and sophistication, or a lack thereof, quite like what people say, and how they say it. Because a cultivated mind is the core of a refined person. 

So, what sort of statements expose an uncultivated mind?  

If someone uses these 16 phrases in conversation, they lack class and sophistication. 

1) “Trust me, I know what I’m talking about”

This phrase not only lacks humility, but also awareness.  

Because anyone who considers themselves more knowledgeable than everyone else, without understanding exactly who they are talking to, lacks sophistication. 

This statement indicates a person who isn’t used to mixing with a wide variety of people and therefore isn’t aware of the depth of knowledge many people have.   

It also shows arrogance as it is highly dismissive of other people’s opinions and experiences. 

Classy people are humble and modest, this kind of phrase would never cross their mind (or their lips).  

2) “Art is a waste of time”

Familiarity with topics such as culture, art, literature, and philosophy are often thought of as markers of sophistication. But that’s misleading. 

A truly sophisticated person will be interested in conversing about any subject as they see that all things are connected.   

However, while a fascination with art is not a prerequisite for a polished mind, an appreciation of it is.  

Sophisticated people are not experts on every topic, but they are open and interested in learning as much as they can about everything.  

Plus, what could be less of a waste of time than the expression of the human experience? 

Nothing betrays a lack of sophistication like uttering such a lowbrow sentiment as, ‘art is a waste of time’!   

3) “I don’t care, it doesn’t affect me”

Anyone who thinks that what’s going on in the world doesn’t affect them is ignorant of how the world works.   

Things like history and current affairs impact all of us in economic, political, and societal ways.  

Sophisticated people possess worldly knowledge and experience and the ability to understand the nuances of a wide range of concepts, principles, and vocabulary.

This makes them open to and interested in speaking about pretty much anything.  

They would never say they didn’t care or think global events don’t have repercussions for them.  

4) “I wouldn’t be caught dead doing that”

This phrase suggests a person who thinks they are too good for something.  

Someone who sees a particular job or task as below them. 

However, sophisticated people are not entitled, nor are they afraid to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty when necessary.  

They’re also comfortable in a wide range of social situations and enjoy speaking to everyone, whether that person is generally perceived as being higher or lower than them in status.  

So, you simply wouldn’t hear a phrase such as this from a classy and sophisticated person.  

And you certainly wouldn’t hear this either… 

5) “They’re all the same”

Oh, the sweeping bigoted generalizations… 

The simple-minded classification of a group of individuals into one easy stereotype. 

This is intellectual laziness and social illiteracy at its best! 

And the kind of thing you’d never hear from someone with a truly refined and polished mind.  

Classy and sophisticated people understand that although our ethnicities, cultures, and beliefs may be different, all people experience the same feelings and challenges in life. 

And this gives them an affinity with human beings.  

They respect and appreciate others’ differences and don’t put people into boxes.  

Now for another crude statement… 

6) “Give me a double expresso”

Firstly, it ought to be a question, not a statement. 

Having class means someone is considerate and deferential to others.  

Whoever they are.  

And this type of boorish statement shows a lack of politeness, as opposed to people with class and sophistication who always have excellent manners.   

”May I have a double expresso, please?” 

That’s more like it.  

7) “What’s your problem?”

Being confrontational and aggressive are not in a classy and sophisticated person’s modus operandi. 

Nor would they invite or tolerate drama in their lives.  

A phrase like this betrays an uncouth and defensive manner – an innate insecurity and tendency to lash out.  

Refined people choose their words carefully and don’t escalate conflicts more than necessary. 

If anything, they are a calming influence.  

8) “She’s such a tramp”

As we’ve often heard, “If you’ve nothing nice to say, say nothing at all.” 

People with class don’t lower themselves to gossiping about or down talking others.  

On the contrary, they are more likely to focus on someone’s positive attributes than pass judgment on them.  

So, if you hear someone making an insulting comment about another person you can be certain they are lacking in refinement and sophistication.  

9) “I’m not interested”

This phrase is just plain dismissive.  

People with true class are open minded and intellectually curious.  

This makes them excellent conversationalists and keen to listen to, and discuss, new ideas.  

Therefore, they would never close their minds to anything, and if they do, they do so discriminatingly.  

10) “Who cares?”

Another dismissive phrase. But this one has a hint of contempt included… 

It communicates an unwillingness to listen or to understand and shows a refusal to accept or even acknowledge different opinions and experiences. 

Only an ignorant person could throw this one out and mean it.  

11) “Why can’t we all just get along?!”

The sweetness! And the naivety.  

Sophisticated people understand the world, and the complexities of relationships and geopolitical politics and can discuss them in a mature and measured way. 

As nice as this sentiment may be, it’s almost juvenile in its simplicity and ignorance of the world. 

A refined person wouldn’t say something as innocent as this.  

12) “It’s obvious who is in the wrong”

This statement is judgmental, uncompromising, and close-minded.  

People with sophisticated minds understand that nothing in life is black and white.  

They know that everything is loaded with complexities and variations, and this is why their conversations are generally long and go deep. 

Those who make sweeping generalizations are demonstrating how little they understand of the intricacies of relationships, situations, and events.   

13) “How much did that cost?”

It’s tacky to talk about money.  

And even more so when it means putting someone on the spot and asking what they paid for something, or (worse still) what they earn. 

Outside of a sales meeting, discussing how much things are worth is a no-no for classy and sophisticated people.   

14) “More is more”

Excessive materialism and consumerism are the anthesis of class and sophistication.  

Someone who thinks status is exclusively communicated through belongings is demonstrating a simple mind.   

And someone who invests in material goods more than what they invest into their minds is just plain ignorant. 

In the words of Clare Boothe Luce, American author and all-round elegant lady, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” 

Need I say more?  

15) “I’m so f*cking annoyed!”

There is never a need for obscenity.  

Languages are laden with rich vocabularies that can adequately describe whatever we feel and want to communicate. 

Resorting to the ‘F’ word (and other foul language) demonstrates a lack of imagination and sophistication.  

Classy people are also aware that vulgarity can make some people uncomfortable so avoid using bad language to put people at ease.   

(Always considerate!)  

16) “I hate ….”

As we’ve already covered, classy, sophisticated people choose their words judiciously. 

And they appreciate that life is lived in the grey areas… 

They may detest truffle oil on their fries, but they don’t ‘hate’ as a rule. 

Their feelings are more nuanced than that.  

Final thoughts

People’s articulation and sentiment reveal so much about the quality of their minds.  

Sophisticated and classy people are open-minded, cosmopolitan, and measured. 

They are not judgmental, bigoted, or extreme.  

Something to consider about others the next time you’re having a conversation.