People Who Use These Phrases Are Passive-Aggressive Under That Nice Exterior

People Who Use These Phrases Are Passive-Aggressive Under That Nice Exterior

When someone is passive aggressive, they often use seemingly harmless phrases to mask their irritation. These words may sound neutral, but there’s usually an underlying edge that gives away the passive aggression. Here are 15 phrases people use when hiding their true emotions beneath a nice exterior.

1. “It’s not a big deal.”

This phrase might sound casual, but often it’s a way to hide real frustration. When someone says, “It’s not a big deal,” they’re usually downplaying how much something bothers them. It’s a way to avoid a deeper discussion or show their emotions, even though the issue is probably weighing on them more than they’d like to admit.

2. “If that’s what you think.”

This is way to signal frustration without saying it outright. Instead of engaging further or arguing, they’ll throw out, “If that’s what you think,” to shut down the discussion. It’s their way of saying, “I disagree, but I’m done talking about it,” while hiding how they truly feel.

3. “Can we just drop it?”

“Can we just drop it?” often means that the person is too frustrated or overwhelmed to continue. It’s a way of saying, “I’m over this,” without actually revealing their emotions. They might be feeling out of control or worried about saying something they’ll regret, so this phrase keeps things in check.

4. “I’m fine.”

When someone says, “I’m fine,” it’s rarely the whole story. This phrase is often code for, “I’m actually not fine, but I don’t want to talk about it.” It’s a defense mechanism to shut down any further probing and avoid openly confronting what’s actually bothering them.

5. “Whatever.”

On the surface, “whatever” sounds indifferent, but it’s often a subtle way to end a conversation they no longer want to be part of. It’s like throwing their hands up and disengaging, even though they likely feel frustrated or unheard. Behind that word, they’re often masking annoyance or disappointment.

6. “Do what you want.”

This phrase sounds permissive but is usually anything but. “Do what you want” is often code for, “I’m upset, but I’m not going to say it outright.” It’s a way to withdraw emotionally without giving direct feedback, hoping the other person will pick up on the tension.

7. “I don’t care.”

Saying, “I don’t care,” is often more about shutting down emotions than actual indifference. This phrase is a wall, letting the other person know they’re done without directly addressing how they feel. Beneath it, they’re likely bottling up anger or disappointment they don’t want to discuss.

8. “It is what it is.”

“It is what it is” can sound accepting, but it often masks frustration or resignation. It’s a way to signal dissatisfaction without outright complaining, usually when they feel they can’t change the situation. It’s often a way to bury the frustration and avoid discussing it further.

9. “I’m just tired.”

“I’m just tired” might be an excuse to avoid a discussion they’d rather not have. While the tiredness might be real, this phrase often covers up deeper frustration or stress. It’s a convenient way to deflect from what’s actually bothering them, hiding behind physical exhaustion.

10. “Sure, whatever makes you happy.”

This phrase sounds supportive but often carries a hint of sarcasm. When someone says, “Sure, whatever makes you happy,” they may feel dismissed or resentful but don’t want to openly argue. It’s a subtle way to express irritation while avoiding direct confrontation.

11. “I guess I was wrong, then.”

This phrase might seem like a concession, but it often hides sarcasm or annoyance. When people say, “I guess I was wrong, then,” it’s usually because they feel dismissed and want to end the conversation. It’s a way to signal resentment without outright arguing.

12. “Okay, you win.”

“Okay, you win” is less about agreeing and more about walking away from an argument. This phrase signals frustration rather than actual acceptance. It’s their way of saying, “I don’t want to keep going,” while masking underlying anger or resentment.

13. “It doesn’t matter.”

When someone says, “It doesn’t matter,” it often does matter—they just don’t want to talk about it. This phrase signals that they’re over the conversation but not necessarily the issue. It’s a way to suppress feelings rather than address them, leaving emotions lingering below the surface.

14. “You’re right; I’m wrong.”

This might sound like a straightforward admission, but when it’s said sarcastically, it often hides annoyance. This phrase is frequently used to end a discussion when someone feels unheard, using sarcasm to convey resentment without directly arguing.

15. “I’ll let you figure it out.”

This phrase might sound neutral, but it’s often a passive-aggressive way to express frustration. It’s a way to step back emotionally, hoping the other person catches on to the irritation without having to spell it out. Often, it’s used when someone feels like they’re doing too much and wants to quietly express their frustration.

This content was created by a real person with the assistance of AI.

Georgia is a passionate story-teller and accomplished lifestyle journalist originally from Australia, now based in New York City. She writes lifestyle content for Bolde Media, publishers of Bolde, Star Candy and Earth Animals.