There’s a fine line between sounding intelligent and just trying too hard.
Psychology tells us that people often misuse certain phrases in a bid to appear smarter than they actually are.
This can backfire, leaving them sounding more pretentious than profound.
I’m here to highlight some of these commonly misused phrases.
By understanding them better, you can use language more effectively to express your thoughts, rather than just trying to impress others.
So, let’s dive into the world of misused phrases and see how you can avoid these linguistic pitfalls.
1) “Per se”
This Latin phrase has made its way into the modern English language. Many people use it in an attempt to sound more intelligent and sophisticated.
The term “per se” means “by itself” or “in itself.”
It’s often used to make a distinction between something in its pure form and something that may be influenced by external factors.
The problem arises when people misuse this phrase, either by using it incorrectly or unnecessarily. This misuse can give the impression of pretentiousness rather than intelligence.
This could be due to a desire to appear more educated or articulate, but the reality is that misusing phrases like “per se” often has the opposite effect.
In conversation, it’s usually better to stick with simpler and more accurate language. By doing so, you can communicate more effectively and avoid sounding like you’re trying too hard to impress.
2) “Irregardless”
Now, this one really gets me. As an avid reader and writer, language is something I hold dear.
So when I hear someone say “irregardless,” I can’t help but cringe.
“Irregardless” is a combination of two words: “irrespective” and “regardless.”
It’s often used by people who want to emphasize their point, but in reality, it’s not even a recognized word in the English language.
I remember a time when I was at a networking event. A person I was having a conversation with kept using “irregardless” while trying to explain their business model.
It was clear they were trying to sound knowledgeable, but their misuse of this non-word ended up distracting me from their message.
According to psychology, we often judge people’s intelligence by their language use.
So misusing words like “irregardless” can actually make us come across as less intelligent, not more.
3) “I could care less”
This phrase is commonly used to express indifference or lack of interest in something.
However, if we break it down, it actually implies that you do have some level of care or interest to be reduced.
The correct phrase is “I couldn’t care less,” meaning you have zero level of care or interest that could be lessened.
This is a classic example of a malapropism, which is when a word or phrase is mistakenly used in place of a similar-sounding one, often with unintentionally amusing effect.
Interestingly, the term “malapropism” itself comes from a character named Mrs. Malaprop in Richard Sheridan’s 1775 play, The Rivals, who frequently misspoke in this way.
Using the correct phrase not only improves your language accuracy but also ensures your message is understood as intended.
4) “For all intensive purposes”
This phrase is a common mishearing of the correct term, “for all intents and purposes,” which means “in every practical sense.”
When people misuse this phrase, they’re often trying to sound formal or authoritative.
But, in doing so, they unintentionally create a phrase that doesn’t make much sense.
“For all intensive purposes” seems to suggest a focus on vigorous or extreme purposes, which is usually not the intended meaning.
By using the correct phrase, “for all intents and purposes,” you’ll not only sound more intelligent but also more accurately convey your thoughts and ideas.
5) “Supposably”
The word “supposably” is a common mispronunciation of the correct term, “supposedly.”
“Supposedly” means that something is assumed to be true, but isn’t confirmed. It’s often used when expressing doubt or skepticism about a statement or claim.
When people say “supposably,” they’re likely trying to sound knowledgeable or assertive. However, this incorrect usage can unintentionally undermine their credibility.
So, the next time you’re about to use this word, remember that the correct term is “supposedly.”
Proper pronunciation goes a long way in sounding more intelligent and articulate.
6) “I feel badly”
This phrase tugs at my heartstrings every time I hear it. It’s usually used by well-meaning individuals trying to express empathy or concern.
But unfortunately, it’s grammatically incorrect.
The correct phrase is “I feel bad.” In English, we use the adjective form after verbs that express emotion, like “feel.”
When someone says “I feel badly,” it suggests they are bad at feeling things, which is usually not the intention.
They’re trying to communicate sympathy or regret, and the misuse of this phrase can dilute that sentiment.
Language is a powerful tool for expressing emotions. Using it correctly can help us connect more deeply with others—a key aspect of human intelligence that goes beyond mere articulation.
7) “Begs the question”
There was a time when I used to use this phrase quite often. I thought it meant to raise a question or suggest a point of discussion.
“Begs the question” is actually a term from formal logic. It refers to when an argument’s premises assume the truth of the conclusion, instead of supporting it.
It’s essentially a circular argument where the conclusion is included in the premise.
However, many people, including myself at one point, use it as if it means “raises the question.”
Misusing phrases like this might not seem like a big deal but it can lead to confusion and misunderstanding, especially in important conversations.
That’s why it’s crucial to understand the true meaning and context of phrases before using them.
It not only improves communication but also boosts credibility and respect from others.
8) “I literally died”
This phrase is a prime example of hyperbole – an extreme exaggeration used for dramatic effect. It’s generally used to express strong emotions or reactions.
However, the misuse of the word “literally” in this context can actually weaken the impact of what you’re trying to express.
“Literally” means that something happened exactly as stated, without exaggeration or metaphor.
So, when you say “I literally died,” it’s not only factually incorrect but also diminishes the effectiveness of your statement.
Ironically, by trying to amplify the intensity of their feelings, individuals who misuse “literally” can end up sounding less sincere.
To sound more intelligent and convey your emotions accurately, it’s best to use “literally” in its correct context and resort to other expressions for emphasis.
9) “Very unique”
This is a phrase often used by individuals aiming to stress the distinctiveness of something or someone. However, it’s grammatically incorrect.
The word “unique” already means one of a kind or unlike anything else.
By its very definition, it already expresses the highest degree of distinctiveness possible. Adding “very” before “unique” is both redundant and incorrect.
Using unnecessary intensifiers like “very” before absolutes like “unique” can make you sound less intelligent, not more.
To communicate effectively, it’s best to use words in their correct context and avoid unnecessary exaggeration.
10) “Deep-seeded”
This phrase is often used when people want to express that something is deeply ingrained or firmly established.
It’s a common slip-up where individuals mistakenly say “deep-seeded” instead of the correct term, “deep-seated.”
“Deep-seated” means that something is firmly established or unlikely to change, like a belief or emotion.
When people say “deep-seeded,” they’re likely thinking of something that’s been planted deep within the ground, which isn’t far from the metaphorical intent but is linguistically incorrect.
This brings us to the most important takeaway about using phrases to sound intelligent: accuracy matters.
Misusing phrases not only miscommunicates your intentions but can also leave an impression of carelessness or lack of knowledge. So, strive for precision in language use—it’s a true sign of intelligence.
Food for thought
Phrases misused in an attempt to sound smarter often originate from a place of insecurity or a desire to impress others.
But ironically, they achieve the opposite effect, making us sound less knowledgeable and even pretentious.
Psychology suggests that true intelligence is reflected not just in the complexity of our language, but also in its accuracy and appropriateness.
Famous linguist Noam Chomsky once said, “The smart way to keep people passive and obedient is to strictly limit the spectrum of acceptable opinion, but allow very lively debate within that spectrum.”
Perhaps it’s time we gave more importance to understanding and using phrases correctly instead of just using them to sound smart.
After all, effective communication doesn’t lie in using big words but in articulating our thoughts clearly and accurately.
And who knows? Maybe the next time we catch ourselves about to misuse a phrase, we’ll remember this discussion and choose our words more wisely.
Now wouldn’t that be a sign of true intelligence?
