You probably think you’re pretty clever, and maybe you are — but is it coming off as a bit arrogant to other people?
Sometimes, trying to look smart or stay one step ahead translates into doing things that are pretty transparent. It’s not always intentional — often, you don’t even realise you’re doing it. However, these little habits can be pretty telling. Here’s a look at some ways you might be trying to outsmart everyone without even knowing it.
1. You use big words when simple ones would do.
Source: Unsplash If you pepper your speech with unnecessarily complex vocabulary, please stop. It’s tempting to think that using fancy words makes you sound more intelligent, but it can actually have the opposite effect. If you’re regularly reaching for a thesaurus to spice up your language, you might be trying a bit too hard to impress.
2. You always have to have the last word in an argument.
It’s hard to resist getting that final point in, isn’t it? However, constantly needing to have the last say, even when the conversation is clearly over, means you might be subconsciously trying to assert your intellectual dominance. Sometimes, it’s wiser to let things go.
3. You correct people’s grammar or pronunciation.
Sure, it’s “you’re” not “your”, and it’s “espresso” not “expresso”. But constantly pointing out these mistakes, especially in casual conversation, doesn’t make you look smart — it just makes you look pedantic and a little bit sad. Unless someone has asked for your help, it’s usually best to let these small mistakes slide.
4. You pretend to know about topics you’re unfamiliar with.
When the conversation turns to a subject you know little about, do you nod along and throw in vague comments to seem knowledgeable? Lots of people do this for some reason, but it’s usually pretty obvious to others. There’s no shame in admitting you’re not an expert on everything — in fact, showing a willingness to learn can be far more impressive.
5. You drop names or references to seem well-connected or cultured.
Casually mentioning that famous person you met once, or that obscure philosopher you’ve read, might seem like a good way to impress people. But if you’re doing it regularly, it can come across as insecure rather than impressive. True knowledge and connections speak for themselves — they don’t need to be constantly advertised.
6. You one-up people’s stories or experiences.
When someone shares an anecdote, do you immediately jump in with a similar but more extreme story of your own? So much one-upmanship might make you feel like you’re showcasing your exciting life, but it can actually make other people feel like their experiences are being devalued.
7. You play devil’s advocate in every discussion.
Taking the opposite stance in a debate can be intellectually stimulating, but if you’re doing it for every single topic, it might be less about genuine debate and more about trying to show off your argumentative skills. It’s okay to agree with people sometimes!
8. You pretend to be indifferent to things you actually care about.
Pretending not to care about popular music, TV shows, or current trends might seem like a way to appear above it all, but that affected nonchalance often comes across as an attempt to seem more sophisticated or intellectual than other people. It’s okay to enjoy mainstream things!
9. You interrupt people to finish their sentences.
Jumping in to complete someone else’s thought might feel like you’re showing how in sync you are, but it can actually be quite frustrating for the speaker. It can come across as impatient or as an attempt to show that you’re quicker on the uptake than others (which you’re probably not).
10. You overexplain simple concepts.
Are you always giving lengthy explanations for basic ideas, even when it’s clear the other person already understands? This can be a subconscious attempt to showcase your knowledge, but it often just comes across as condescending and kind of annoying.
11. You ask questions you already know the answers to.
Posing questions just so you can swoop in with the answer is a classic tactic for trying to look smart, but most people can see through this pretty quickly. It’s more impressive to ask genuine questions and be open to learning from other people.
12. You dismiss popular opinions as ‘shallow’ or ‘uninformed’.
Constantly criticising mainstream views might feel like you’re showcasing your critical thinking skills, but if you’re doing it without really considering the merits of these opinions, you might just be trying to set yourself apart as more intellectual than the average person. You’re not smarter because you have niche interests.
13. You never want to admit when you don’t know something.
It’s tempting to bluff your way through conversations about things you know nothing about, but there’s actually strength in being able to say “I don’t know, but I’d like to learn more”. Pretending to know everything is often more transparent than you might think.
14. You overuse air quotes or sarcasm.
Excessive use of air quotes or a constantly sarcastic tone might feel like you’re cleverly critiquing everything around you. However, overdo it, and you might just come across as someone trying too hard to appear witty or above it all.
15. You turn every conversation into a debate.
It’s nice to get into a good debate is great, sure, but if you argue about every little point in casual conversations, you might be subconsciously trying to prove your mental prowess. Remember, sometimes a chat is just a chat — not everything needs to be a battle of wits.
