Some people just don’t have that genuine energy.
They’re the type to say all the right things, but never really mean any of it. Whether it’s fake enthusiasm, forced kindness, or straight-up deception, phoney people have a way of making everything feel just a little off. If you’ve ever had a conversation with someone and walked away feeling like something didn’t quite add up, chances are they’ve used one of these phrases.
1. “No offence, but…”
Nothing good ever follows this phrase. It’s the go-to line for people who want to say something rude but avoid any consequences. They think adding “no offence” somehow makes it okay, but in reality, it just shows they know they’re about to be offensive. Genuine people don’t need to disguise their insults as “just being honest.” If someone really respects you, they’ll be upfront without trying to soften the blow with an empty disclaimer.
2. “I hate drama.”
Translation: “I love drama, but I don’t want to be blamed for it.” If someone constantly talks about how much they hate drama, chances are they’re the common denominator in most of it. Truly drama-free people don’t need to announce it — they just live their lives without stirring up unnecessary chaos. When someone feels the need to remind everyone how above the drama they are, it usually means the opposite.
3. “I’m just such a good person.”
If someone constantly talks about how kind, honest, or selfless they are, chances are they’re trying way too hard to convince people. Real kindness doesn’t need an audience or validation. The most genuine people don’t walk around declaring how great they are — they just show it through their actions. When someone keeps pointing out their own goodness, it’s usually to cover up something less flattering.
4. “I was only joking.”
Ah, the classic backtrack. Phoney people love using this one when they say something hurtful and get called out for it. Instead of owning up to their words, they act like you’re the one who can’t take a joke. There’s a difference between playful teasing and saying something mean-spirited. If someone constantly hides behind “I was only joking,” it’s a sign they’re not as genuine as they claim to be.
5. “Let’s definitely catch up soon!”
If they really meant it, they’d follow up with a date or a plan. This is the verbal equivalent of smiling and nodding before walking away and forgetting you exist. Some people say this out of politeness, but when it’s coming from someone who constantly over-promises and under-delivers, it’s just another way of faking interest without actually committing.
6. “I’m not like other people.”
Source: Unsplash This usually comes with a smug tone and a sense of superiority. Phoney people love acting like they’re somehow different from the crowd, even though they behave just like everyone else they claim to be better than. Genuine people don’t need to set themselves apart with words—they just naturally stand out by being real. When someone has to say they’re “different,” it’s usually just part of the act.
7. “You can totally trust me.”
Source: Unsplash Real trust isn’t built through words — it’s earned through actions. When someone constantly reassures you of how trustworthy they are, it often means they’re trying to distract you from the fact that they’re really not. The more someone insists on being loyal, the more you should probably keep an eye on them. A genuinely trustworthy person lets their consistency speak for itself.
8. “I’m just being honest.”
Source: Unsplash Honesty is great, but when someone uses this one right before saying something unnecessarily harsh, it’s just an excuse to be rude. Phoney people use “just being honest” as a cover for their bluntness, as if it makes them noble. Genuine honesty comes with tact and consideration. When someone truly cares about you, they’ll tell the truth in a way that’s helpful, not hurtful.
9. “I don’t have time for negativity.”
Source: Unsplash Ironically, the people who say this are usually the ones bringing the most negativity into a situation. They’ll claim to be all about positive vibes but spend half their time gossiping, complaining, or stirring the pot. People who genuinely focus on positivity don’t need to announce it—they just live it. When someone makes a big deal about avoiding negativity, chances are they’re trying to distance themselves from their own toxic behaviour.
10. “It’s not my fault.”
Nothing is ever their responsibility. Phoney people love shifting blame onto everyone else, even when they’re clearly the ones at fault. Instead of admitting their mistakes, they dodge accountability at every turn. Genuine people own their actions and apologise when necessary. When someone is always the victim in their own stories, it’s a pretty clear sign they’re not as real as they seem.
11. “No hard feelings.”
If someone has to say this, there were probably some hard feelings involved. Phoney people love pretending things don’t bother them while secretly holding grudges or talking behind your back. When someone truly has no hard feelings, they don’t need to announce it. Their actions will show that they’ve moved on without resentment.
12. “I don’t mean to be rude, but…”
Yes, they do. Phoney people use this phrase as a way to say something insulting while pretending they don’t really want to. It’s a weak attempt at softening the impact of their words. Genuine people know how to be direct without being rude. If someone has to preface their statement with this, it’s usually because they know it’s going to be offensive.
13. “I would never lie to you.”
The people who say this the most are usually the ones you should be most suspicious of. If someone feels the need to keep reminding you they’re honest, it might be because they’re not. Real honesty doesn’t need constant reassurance. If someone is genuinely truthful, you’ll just know it based on their consistency.
14. “I hate fake people.”
There’s something about people who go on and on about how much they “hate fake people” that makes them seem… well, fake. It’s like they’re trying too hard to prove they’re real. Genuine people don’t waste their energy calling out fakeness all the time. They just focus on being authentic instead of policing everyone else.
15. “I’d never do that to you.”
Whenever someone feels the need to say this, it’s usually because they’ve already done something shady or are about to. It’s a classic line used to cover up guilt or suspicion. Trustworthy people don’t need to declare their innocence. If they’d never do something, their actions will naturally prove it.
16. “You know I love you, right?”
This can be sweet in the right context, but phoney people use it to smooth things over when they’ve messed up. Instead of apologising or making things right, they try to play on emotions to get a free pass. Genuine love and care don’t need constant reminders. If someone really loves and values you, their actions will say it louder than their words ever could.
