Arrogant people have a special talent for deflecting criticism.
When faced with feedback, they’ve got an arsenal of responses that scream, “I’m too good to be wrong.” Here are some of their greatest hits.
1. “You’re just jealous.”
The classic deflection. It’s easier to assume envy than to consider they might actually have a point. This line dismisses criticism without even considering its merit.
2. “I don’t care what people think.”
Except they clearly do, or they wouldn’t be getting defensive. This phrase is often used to brush off valid concerns while pretending to be above it all.
3. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
A quick way to invalidate someone’s opinion without actually addressing it. It’s the verbal equivalent of plugging their ears and yelling “La la la!”
4. “I’m just being honest.”
The battle cry of people who confuse arrogance with honesty. They use this to justify their rudeness or insensitivity, as if honesty and kindness are mutually exclusive.
5. “You’re too sensitive.”
A classic move to shift blame. Instead of considering their behavior, they make it about the other person’s reaction. It’s gaslighting 101.
6. “I’m sorry you feel that way.”
The non-apology apology. It sounds conciliatory but actually takes zero responsibility. It’s a sneaky way of saying “Your feelings are the problem, not my actions.”
7. “You clearly don’t understand.”
This gem implies that if someone really got it, they’d agree. It’s a way of positioning themselves as the only one with real insight.
8. “I’ve been doing this for years.”
Experience doesn’t equal infallibility. This line shuts down criticism by pulling rank, ignoring that even experts can make mistakes or have room for improvement.
9. “Who asked for your opinion?”
A defensive jab that tries to invalidate criticism by suggesting it wasn’t invited. It’s a childish way of saying “I don’t want to hear it.”
10. “You’re overthinking it.”
This dismissive phrase suggests that deep thought or analysis is a bad thing. It’s often used when someone’s critique is too spot-on for comfort.
11. “I know better.”
A bold claim that leaves no room for other perspectives. It’s the verbal equivalent of putting fingers in ears and humming loudly.
12. “You’re just like everyone else.”
This tries to paint the critic as unoriginal or part of the unthinking masses. It’s a way of dismissing feedback without actually engaging with it.
13. “You don’t know me.”
A classic deflection that suggests only they truly understand their actions or motivations. It’s a convenient way to brush off any outside perspective.
14. “I’m not here to please everyone.”
While true, this is often used to dismiss valid criticism. It’s a way of framing considerate behavior as people-pleasing.
15. “You’re taking it out of context.”
Sometimes legitimate, but often used as a smokescreen. It suggests the critic doesn’t have the full picture, even when they do.
16. “I’m just confident, not arrogant.”
A fine line that arrogant people often blur. This phrase attempts to reframe their behavior as a positive trait.
17. “You’re projecting.”
A pseudo-psychological term used to flip the script. Instead of addressing the criticism, they suggest the problem lies with the critic.
18. “I don’t have to explain myself to you.”
While sometimes true, this is often used to avoid accountability. It’s a power move to shut down further discussion.
19. “You’re nitpicking.”
This dismisses criticism as trivial or overly fussy. It’s a way of avoiding engagement with specific points of feedback.
20. “I’m just being myself.”
The battle cry of those who refuse to consider personal growth. It suggests that their behavior is fixed and beyond criticism.
21. “You’ll understand when you’re at my level.”
The ultimate in condescension. It dismisses criticism while simultaneously asserting superiority. It’s a double whammy of arrogance.
