Some people will make absolute fools of themselves trying to look smart.
They use big words they don’t fully understand, name-drop obscure philosophers, and always seem to have a contrarian opinion on everything. It’s painful to watch, and even more painful to be on the receiving end of their pseudo-intellectual posturing. Don’t know what I’m talking about? Here are some cringeworthy ways people try to pass for being intelligent, and why they need to stop.
1. Using big words incorrectly
Source: Unsplash There’s nothing wrong with having a robust vocabulary, but using big words just for the sake of it is only going to make you look silly. If you don’t fully understand the meaning and context of a word, don’t use it. It’s better to speak plainly and clearly than to throw around words like “vis-à-vis” and “milieu” without really knowing what they mean. True intelligence is about being able to communicate effectively, not just sounding smart.
2. Name-dropping famous thinkers
Source: Unsplash Just because you’ve read a Wikipedia article on Nietzsche doesn’t mean you’re an expert on his philosophy. Peppering your conversations with references to famous thinkers might make you feel intelligent, but it’s a transparent attempt to seem more well-read than you actually are. If you genuinely admire a particular thinker or idea, by all means, discuss it — but do so in a way that demonstrates your own understanding and insights, not just a superficial name-drop.
3. Always playing devil’s advocate
Source: Unsplash There’s a difference between having a genuine, well-reasoned disagreement and just being contrarian for the sake of it. If you’re constantly taking the opposite view on every topic, even when you don’t really believe it, people will quickly catch on to your game. It’s okay to have a different perspective, but make sure it’s coming from a place of sincerity and not just a desire to seem smart by being contrarian.
4. Over-explaining simple concepts
Source: Unsplash If you’re constantly launching into long-winded explanations of basic concepts, it’s a sign that you’re more interested in hearing yourself talk than actually communicating with people. Intelligence is about being able to break down complex ideas into simple, easily understandable terms — not the other way around. If you find yourself over-explaining things that most people already understand, take a step back and ask yourself why.
5. Constantly correcting people
Source: Unsplash Nobody likes a know-it-all, and constantly correcting people means you’ll definitely come across as one. If someone makes a minor mistake or misremembers a small detail, it’s not the end of the world — and pointing it out in front of everyone is just going to make you look petty and insecure. Unless it’s a matter of real importance, let small errors slide and focus on the substance of the conversation.
6. Pretending to have read books you haven’t
Source: Unsplash We’ve all been there — you’re in a conversation about a book you haven’t actually read, but you don’t want to admit it. So, you nod along and make vague comments like “Oh yeah, that part was really interesting” or “I loved the way the author explored that theme.” But here’s the thing — it’s painfully obvious when someone is pretending to have read a book they haven’t, and it just makes you look insecure and dishonest. If you haven’t read something, just say so — it’s not a big deal.
7. Using jargon to sound smart
Source: Unsplash Every field has its own specialised language and terminology, but using jargon just for the sake of it is a big red flag. If you’re talking to someone outside your field and you’re constantly dropping technical terms without explaining them, it’s a sign that you’re more interested in sounding smart than actually communicating. Use jargon when it’s necessary and appropriate, but don’t use it as a crutch to make yourself feel superior.
8. Always bringing up your IQ score
Source: Unsplash Look, IQ scores are not the be-all and end-all of intelligence. In fact, they’re a pretty narrow and flawed measure of cognitive ability. So, if you’re constantly bringing up your IQ score in conversation, it’s a sign that you’re more interested in bragging than actually engaging with other people. True intelligence is about so much more than a number on a test — it’s about curiosity, creativity, empathy, and a willingness to learn and grow.
9. Interrupting people to show off your knowledge
Source: Unsplash If someone is in the middle of explaining something and you just can’t resist the urge to jump in and show off your own knowledge, take a step back and ask yourself why. Chances are, it’s more about your own ego than actually contributing to the conversation. Interrupting people is rude and disrespectful, and it will also make you come across as arrogant and self-absorbed. Wait your turn, listen actively, and only contribute when you have something valuable to add.
10. Constantly humblebragging
Source: Unsplash Humblebragging is the art of bragging about your accomplishments while pretending to be modest, and it’s a classic move for people who want to seem intelligent without coming across as arrogant. But here’s the thing — it’s still bragging, and it’s still annoying. If you’ve done something you’re proud of, own it and celebrate it — but don’t try to disguise your boasting as false modesty. It’s transparent and it’s cringeworthy.
11. Using air quotes incorrectly
Source: Unsplash Air quotes can be a useful tool for indicating irony or sarcasm, but using them incorrectly is weird and makes you look silly. If you’re constantly putting air quotes around words that don’t need them, or using them to indicate emphasis instead of irony, people will quickly catch on to your attempt to seem clever. Use air quotes sparingly and only when they actually serve a purpose — otherwise, you’re just making yourself look pretentious.
12. Always bringing up your degrees or awards
Source: Unsplash Yes, it’s great that you have a PhD or won an award for your work, but constantly bringing it up in conversation is a sign that you’re more interested in impressing people than actually connecting with them. Your accomplishments speak for themselves — you don’t need to constantly remind everyone of them. If someone asks about your background or expertise, by all means, share it — but don’t use it as a cudgel to beat everyone over the head with your intelligence.
13. Using overly complex sentence structures
Source: Unsplash If your sentences are so convoluted and complex that people need a map to follow them, it’s a sign that you’re more interested in sounding smart than actually communicating effectively. Good writing and speaking is about clarity and concision — not about cramming as many clauses and subordinate phrases into a sentence as possible. Keep your language simple, direct, and easy to follow — your audience will thank you for it.
14. Always taking the contrarian view
Source: Unsplash Playing devil’s advocate can be a useful way to explore different perspectives and challenge assumptions, but if you’re always taking the contrarian view just for the sake of it, it’s a sign that you’re more interested in being provocative than actually engaging in good faith. It’s okay to have a different opinion, but make sure it’s coming from a place of genuine belief and not just a desire to be controversial.
15. Constantly quoting obscure sources
Source: Unsplash Quoting from a wide range of sources can be a sign of a well-read and curious mind. However, if you’re constantly dropping obscure references just for the sake of it, it’s a sign that you’re more interested in showing off than actually contributing to the conversation. Use quotes and references when they’re relevant and illuminating — not just to prove how much you know.
16. Always trying to one-up people.
Source: Unsplash If someone shares an interesting fact or story, and your first instinct is to try to top it with something even more impressive, take a step back and ask yourself why. Chances are, it’s more about your own ego than actually contributing to the conversation. True intelligence is about collaboration and mutual learning — not about constantly trying to prove that you’re the smartest person in the room. Listen actively, ask questions, and celebrate other people’s knowledge and insights — it’s a much more rewarding way to engage with the world.
