Class and sophistication aren’t about how much money you have or your social status—they’re about how you treat others and carry yourself. Some people are all class, while others’ behavior screams tacky. Here are 17 ways to instantly spot someone who has zero class.
1. They Brag About Their Sex Life
Sharing personal or intimate details—especially about relationships or sexual encounters—in public or with acquaintances isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s crass. There’s a fine line between being open and oversharing, and people with class know when to keep things private. Broadcasting your personal life can show a lack of respect for yourself and those involved.
2. They Overstay Their Welcome
We’ve all been there—guests who hang around long after it’s clear the party’s over. Staying too long at someone’s home, especially when the host gives subtle cues like cleaning up or mentioning the time, shows a lack of awareness. Knowing when to leave shows that you respect other people’s space and time. Don’t be that person who overstays; leave while everyone still wants you to stay.
3. They Show Up Empty-Handed
Showing up to an event or gathering without at least a small gift or contribution—like a bottle of wine or a dish—can come off as inconsiderate. Even if the host doesn’t ask for anything, bringing a little something is a simple way to show gratitude for being invited. It’s a thoughtful gesture showing you value their effort in hosting.
4. They Talk Loudly on the Phone in Public
Talking loudly on your phone in public, or worse, putting it on speaker, is an instant red flag for lack of class. Whether you’re in a quiet café or on public transport, forcing others to listen to your conversation completely disregards those around you. A little awareness goes a long way—keep personal conversations private and respectful.
5. They Cut in Line Without a Second Thought
There’s nothing that reveals a sense of entitlement like cutting in line. Whether at the grocery store, a concert, or in traffic, people who skip ahead think their time is more valuable than anyone else’s. It’s a selfish move showing a lack of respect for social rules and others.
6. They Overshare Their Drama
We all have personal issues, but constantly airing out every detail of your private life, especially in inappropriate settings like work or social gatherings, is tacky. People with class know that there’s a time and place for everything, and sharing every little drama with everyone can make you seem attention-seeking and indiscreet.
7. They Obnoxiously Name-Drop
Dropping names of famous or important people in casual conversations to seem impressive is a dead giveaway of insecurity. Instead of building genuine connections, they rely on the status of others to boost their image. People with real confidence don’t need to use name-dropping as a crutch—they let their merits speak for themselves.
8. They Flash Their Wealth and Expensive Toys
We all know that person who flaunts their wealth by bragging about expensive purchases, flashy cars, or luxury brands. Class isn’t about how much money you have; it’s about how you carry yourself. Flaunting wealth is often more about seeking validation than anything else. Truly classy people don’t feel the need to show off—they let their actions and generosity speak for them.
9. They Chew Gum with Their Mouth Open
This may seem small, but chewing gum loudly or with your mouth open, especially in formal or public settings, is a surefire way to come across as careless and tacky. It shows a lack of attention to how your actions affect those around you. Small manners can make a big difference in how people perceive you.
10. They Treat Service Workers Like They’re Beneath Them
How someone treats waiters, cashiers, and other service workers says a lot about their character. Being rude, dismissive, or demanding with people in the service industry clearly indicates being classless. Treating everyone with respect, no matter their job is the true sign of someone with class and kindness.
11. They Make Offensive Jokes
Humor is a great way to connect with people, but making crude, racist, sexist, or otherwise offensive jokes in social settings shows a lack of awareness and poor taste. Classy people understand that humor should never come at the expense of others’ feelings or dignity. If your joke is hurtful, it’s not funny—it’s just offensive.
12. They Post Every Single Detail of Their Life on Social Media
Oversharing your every move on social media, from what you ate for breakfast to your most intimate moments, can come off as tacky and desperate for attention. People with class value privacy and don’t need constant validation from likes and comments. Knowing when to keep things private, both online and in real life, shows maturity and self-awareness.
13. They “Forget” to Say Please and Thank You
It’s amazing how much having basic manners can reveal about someone. Forgetting simple words like “please” and “thank you” shows a lack of appreciation for others. These small phrases go a long way in showing respect and gratitude. People who skip them, especially when kindness is expected, can seem inconsiderate and rude.
14. They Gossip About Everyone
Spreading rumors or talking behind people’s backs is one of the quickest ways to reveal a lack of class. Not only does it create drama, but it also shows that the person can’t be trusted. Classy people build others up and keep conversations positive. Gossiping is petty and shows insecurity, while real class lies in being discreet and trustworthy.
15. They Ignore Dress Codes
Whether it’s showing up overdressed or underdressed to an event with a clear dress code, not following it can be seen as disrespectful. A wedding, business event, or even a casual get-together often has an expected attire, and ignoring it shows a lack of regard for the host and the occasion. Dressing appropriately for the situation shows respect and thoughtfulness.
16. They Never Bother to RSVP (or Turn Up)
Not responding to an invitation, or worse, RSVPing and not showing up, is a massive sign of disrespect for the host’s time and effort. Constantly canceling plans at the last minute without a valid reason shows a disregard for others’ schedules. Being reliable and showing up when you say you will is a basic courtesy that shows class.
17. They’re Stingy Tippers
Being stingy with tips—or tipping well only when you want to impress someone—shows a lack of class. Good tipping should be consistent and based on appreciation for the service you’ve received, not for show. Even in small gestures, generosity is a sign of class and respect for others’ hard work.
