The 10 Stupidest Things Smart People Say

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Have you ever explained something or told a story, only to later think, wow, I must have sounded like an idiot? Even the smartest of us fall into some unexpected speech traps, using crutch words that can only harm one's image. (See also: The 10 Stupidest Things Smart People Do)

Here are the 10 stupidest words and phrases that smart people say.

1. "Literally"

Most of the time what you really mean is "metaphorically." Sure, Merriam Webster has added the definition most people find technically incorrect to the dictionary. However, we still overuse the word in a way that sometimes does not fall into either definition. There are more illustrative ways to describe action than starting with "literally."

2. "It Is What It Is"

While it may feel zen to say this, what you are really saying is, "I have nothing to add to the situation, no means of fixing it, and I can't even describe it." If you want to sound insightful, focus on one aspect and comment on that.

3. "Irregardless"

This is a great example of a prefix that adds absolutely no value or meaning to the original word. Just say "regardless" and no one will think you're trying too hard, which is the hallmark of the ignorant attempting to sound smart!

4. "Like"

We used "like" as punctuation in high school, but sadly we've taken it into our adult lives as well. Even if you replaced every "like" with a pause, you would sound a tiny bit smarter.

5. "I Could Care Less"

We have all heard and dismissed this phrase when others use it, but even intelligent people use it from time to time. The correct phrase is, "I could not care less," because that is what you really mean. That said, it's an outmoded expression that we can all do without.

6. "Basically"

There is always a hint of condescension when smarties use this word. One is trying to explain something in an understandable or relatable way, but it makes one sound as if he or she is "dumbing it down" for the other person. No one wants to sound like a jerk, right?

7. "Anyways"

Thanks to books, TV, and movies, saying "anyways" has been cemented as an indicator of ignorance. "Anyway" is a word, while "anyways" is the same word with an 's' added. Why add letters to a perfectly good word?

8. "Less" Instead of "Fewer"

Most people underuse the word "fewer" in favor of "less," and anyone who studied in a STEM field will cringe when you do. The simple rule is to use "fewer" with things you can count and "less" with things you can't. We'll use both definitions in a sentence: Fewer people should use the word "less," but unfortunately, people are less aware of its correct usage than they should be.

9. "I Really Think"

Another bad way to start a sentence, "I really think" is a way of saying, "What I'm about to say can't be proven, and I am too arrogant to consider what you've said." Avoid this one to prevent sounding pretentious, which is something smart people do when they are self-conscious.

10. "Apparently" and "Ostensibly"

Nearly everyone overuses these words, especially educated people. Simple language is almost always better; some better alternatives are "it seems," or, "it appears." Ten dollar words are a scourge. No one wants to converse with a college entrance exam.

Agree? Disagree? Let us know (using proper vocabulary, of course) in comments below.

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