We all know someone who goes out of their way to appear more intelligent than they might actually be. Whether it's in conversations, social media, or their daily routines, their habits can be amusing, endearing, or downright annoying. What they don’t seem to realize is that we can see straight through their intellectual veil. Here are a few habits that are common in brainy wannabes.
Using Big Words Unnecessarily
Just because someone throws the word ‘confabulate’ into a sentence doesn’t make them a wordy genius. Do they even know what it means? Dropping multisyllabic words into casual conversation can make someone appear more knowledgeable, but it also means that they confuse listeners who have no idea what they’re talking about.
Name Dropping Famous Intellectuals
Mentioning Einstein, Stephen Hawking, or Aristotle in every conversation can seem impressive if they understand their theories, but it can also come across as forced and superficial. The key is to know if they can elaborate on the ideas they mention. Try testing their knowledge. That should be interesting.
Quoting Obscure Authors
Reciting quotes from lesser-known philosophers or writers can give an air of sophistication, and it can open up a conversation if genuine knowledge is present. More often than not, this habit leads to awkward silences when no one else has heard of the people they’re mentioning. Have you heard of Plotinus?
Correcting Grammar
Grammar policing in casual conversations or online comments is highly pedantic and likely to offend listeners. It might show off their knowledge of the language, but you’re not in a classroom setting learning the ropes. If you are, then it’s more acceptable. If you’re not, hit them with a smart comeback and throw their self-righteousness into a frenzy.
Always Having a Nerd Book
Carrying around dense, intellectual nerd books can signal intelligence if someone is genuinely committed to learning. But if they’re just for show and they never actually read them, they’re trying to look smart. It’s pretty cringe. Next time you see them, casually leaf through and ask them their thoughts on Chapter Two.
Using Latin Phrases
Throwing in Latin phrases like ‘carpe diem’ or ‘caveat emptor’ is plain embarrassing unless it’s a one-off and deserved. Overusing or misusing them can quickly backfire and show them for what they are. No one needs to quote Latin for any reason. Ever.
Talking About the Latest Research
Unless someone is a science major or knee-deep in their research, mentioning the latest scientific studies or trends makes for a painful conversation. If you’re simply meeting for a latte and they throw the second law of thermodynamics into the conversation, make your excuses and leave. It’s likely to be superficial knowledge anyway.
Feigned Interest in Complex Topics
Have you ever known someone who pretends to be deeply interested in complex topics like quantum physics or high-level economics? The ones that lap up the conversation but add very little? Yes, real knowledge can impress people, but true understanding goes far beyond surface-level enthusiasm.
Exaggerated Knowledge of Niche Subjects
Specializing in obscure topics can certainly make someone highly intelligent, but if their knowledge is shallow, it soon becomes apparent in deeper conversations. Next time they mention their deep-rooted interest in Mycology, ask them their feelings on the effects of fungi in immunocompromised patients. That’ll show them.
Using Jargon Inappropriately
Jargon is like another language, so many of us don’t understand it unless we’re in the right circles. Throwing around technical jargon outside of the appropriate context makes conversations confusing and makes the user look uninformed. We’re often none the wiser if it’s used incorrectly, but it doesn’t make for a good discussion.
Constantly Debating
A healthy debate is great from time to time, even if it’s on the shallow topic of Taylor Swift versus Miley Cyrus. If someone constantly opens a debate without sufficient knowledge, they can end up coming off worse than anyone else. There’s no need to debate a topic you know nothing about.
Faking a Love for Classical Music
Classical music can be enjoyed by people of all intellectual levels, but people who wish to appear smart and sophisticated often feign a passion for the likes of Beethoven or Chopin. Claiming to adore classical music without genuinely enjoying it or knowing much about it is a common tactic. True aficionados can usually spot a faker a mile away.
Pretending to Speak Multiple Languages
Claiming fluency in several languages can seem super impressive if it’s legitimate. Most of us could only dream of speaking one language outside our own. But if their actual skills are limited, it can quickly become clear they’re overstating their abilities. It’s a great moment when they’re shown up by a passing native who sparks up a conversation.
Following Every Intellectual Trend
Jumping on every intellectual bandwagon, from meditation to minimalism, can make someone seem in the know. However, true wisdom comes from genuine interest and practice, not just following trends. Ask them if their chakras are aligned; that’ll show them up.
Excessive Use of Anecdotes
Sharing personal anecdotes makes for a great conversation, particularly if it links knowledge to experience. Overdoing it can come off as bragging rather than sharing knowledge. Anecdotes aren’t needed very often, so if they’re being used regularly, someone is trying to show off.
Pretending to Dislike Pop Culture
People who make a point of their disdain for popular movies, music, or TV shows think their perspective comes across as a mark of intellectual superiority. It’s their way of telling you that they wouldn’t stoop to such a low. Usually, it isolates them from enjoyable conversations and screams of ego. There’s every chance they’ll go home and blast Beyonce on Spotify.
Overusing I Read Somewhere
Sometimes, we do read things that we’re keen to share, but constantly prefacing statements with ‘I read somewhere’ can make someone seem arrogant. If they can’t recall specifics or explain the context, it becomes clear they’re faking it.
Belittling Others’ Opinions
Dismissing others' viewpoints or mocking their tastes can be a defense mechanism to seem smarter. While harmless banter is acceptable, a constant flow of derogatory remarks about personal choices is frustrating and rude. They’re just trying to make you look foolish, and that’s not okay by anyone's standards.
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