We’re all guilty of using certain phrases in our everyday conversations, which, quite frankly, don’t do us any favors. Let’s take a look at 18 phrases and sayings that you might want to stop using for fear of sounding stupid. We’re not here to judge, and this is all just a bit of fun.
Literally
Lots of people get annoyed when they hear other people using “literally” in scenarios that are anything but literal. We both know that if you “literally died laughing,” you didn’t actually need to be resuscitated. You might think it strengthens your point, but it actually just muddles what you’re saying and makes people take you less seriously.
Basically
Using “basically” comes off as a little patronizing, and it’s like you’re glossing over the finer points of something because you think they won’t get it. You’re essentially treating them like they’re stupid, which actually makes you look like the less intelligent one. If you want to keep your friends, then throw this one out of your vocabulary.
I Can’t Even
“I can’t even” is fine during casual text messages with your friends, but it’s not something you should use in grown-up conversations. It sounds like you don’t know how to explain yourself properly or that you don’t have the words to describe something. And that just makes you look stupid.
No Offense But
Whenever you say, “No offense, but” it’s a huge red flag to other people that you’re going to be offensive. You know you shouldn’t say it, yet here you are doing so, which makes you sound unintelligent. You’re not going to win any brownie points for being offensive, and other people will just think you’re not the smartest tool in the shed.
You Know What I Mean?
It’s okay to have some check-ins now and then during a conversation. But overusing phrases like “you know what I mean?” makes other people think you’re not confident in yourself. It forces the other person to piece together your thoughts, which could suggest that you’re not smart enough to do it yourself.
Irregardless
Even though it’s a word people have used for a long time, “irregardless” just sounds silly. Most people use “irregardless” when they mean “regardless,” and you’re better off sticking to the actual word if you want to think you’re smart. Using the word “irregardless” tells people you don’t actually understand what you’re talking about.
At the End of the Day
If we had a dime for every time someone said “at the end of the day,” we’d be rich. It’s a filler phrase that just takes up space and makes your listeners tune out before you’ve even got to the point. This phrase usually comes off as incredibly cliché, which is enough to make people stop caring about what you have to say.
To Be Honest
When you start by saying “to be honest,” you’re suggesting to other people that what you said originally was a little less than truthful. It’s better for you to just present your ideas without having to tell someone you’re being honest. Overusing “to be honest” or “honestly” makes people question if everything you say needs a warning.
Like
“Like” is probably the most annoying conversation filler out there, and it can make what you’re saying sound a lot less important. As hard as it is to kick this habit, you really need to avoid saying “like” if you want your words to actually have some weight behind them. When you stop using it, you’ll notice your speech becomes a lot clearer.
Actually
You might think it seems harmless, but using “actually” too much in conversations comes across as if you’re a know-it-all. Other people will start to think you’re always waiting to prove someone wrong, and that’s never a good look. Stick to using “actually” when you actually need to instead of seeming like you’re just trying to contradict other people.
Sorry, But
“Sorry, but” is the worst kind of apology because it’s not really one, and you’re essentially apologizing, then contradicting yourself. If you need to apologize, go all in and mean it, and if not, just skip the “sorry” and say what you want to say. It’ll make your real apologies sound far more sincere.
I Personally
“I personally think” sounds ridiculous. Of course, you “personally think” whatever you’re about to say because it’s coming from you. This phrase is just extra words that don’t add any value to what you’re saying, and you’re better off cutting the clutter. This way, what you’re saying has more of an impact, and you’re communicating more efficiently.
It Is What It Is
Saying, “It is what it is,” makes it seem like you’re completely checked out. Although some things are out of our control, using this phrase can make it seem like you’re not interested in finding solutions or alternatives. Instead, you should show your acceptance with a little more positivity.
At This Point in Time
What’s the point in saying “at this point in time” when a simple “now” does the trick? It’s just a way to use more words when you can express your thoughts far more simply. If you make your language more streamlined, people will actually care about what you’ve got to say, and they’ll want to listen to you.
Per Se
If you’re trying to sound intelligent by using “per se,” you might actually be doing anything but that. When you don’t use it correctly, you’ll just confuse your audience and maybe even come across as less intelligent. You should keep this phrase for those times when you’re absolutely certain it’s right, not when it could be right.
You Guys
Even though many people think it’s meant to be gender-neutral, using “you guys” can actually exclude some of the people you’re talking to. You might want to stick to more inclusive words like “folks” or perhaps “everyone” so that everyone feels acknowledged. This way, everyone knows you’re welcoming them.
Kind Of
Using “kind of” tends to water down your statements and makes you sound less sure than you might actually be. Do you really want to come across that way? When you sound more decisive, people believe in your confidence, and they’re more likely to respect what you have to say. It’s a win-win.
Whatever
Finishing what you’ve got to say with “whatever” comes across as dismissive and, sometimes, even a bit rude. It’s almost as though you’re too cool to care about the discussion, but not necessarily in a good way. Respect what other people have to say and come up with a good rebuttal instead of shutting down the conversation.
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