Ready to level up your vocabulary and impress people with your smarts? You don’t have to have a Mensa membership or a subscription to The New Yorker that you never actually read to seem intelligent. The first step might surprise you — it’s about knowing what not to say. These are some common phrases that are best left behind. There are much better ways to express yourself!
1. “Literally”
We’ve all heard it: “I was literally dead after that workout.” Unless paramedics were involved, chances are you weren’t actually dead. Overusing “literally” for emphasis dramatically weakens its meaning. To sound more credible and avoid exaggeration, try words like “truly,” “actually,” or “seriously.”
2. “I can’t even”
Seriously? You’re overwhelmed by a slightly bad haircut, a long line at the store, or a rude text? Grow a spine and learn to handle life’s minor annoyances. Find real words to express your feelings instead of this lazy, catch-all phrase that makes you sound like a whiny teenager.
3. “YOLO”
You only live once, so don’t waste your breath on this worn-out excuse for bad decisions. Jumping off bridges or spending all your money on junk food isn’t “living life to the fullest.” Be smart, think things through, and take actual responsibility for your choices.
4. “Like”
Okay, everyone slips in a “like” from time to time, but when every other word is “like,” you sound like, like, a clueless valley girl. Slow down, take a breath, and collect your thoughts. Ditch the fillers for good, and you’ll sound way more intelligent and articulate. (That being said, this is a pretty hard habit to break, so try not to be too hard on yourself if you struggle with this!)
5. “Irregardless”
Not a word. Period. It’s the verbal equivalent of wearing socks with sandals – it screams “I don’t care about looking smart.” The correct word is “regardless,” so learn it and use it properly. Sure, most people aren’t going to call you out on this, but the grammar police among us will be silently judging you.
6. “I could care less”
This phrase means the opposite of what you think. If nothing could make you care less, you COULDN’T care less. Want to sound smart? Get this one right and say “I couldn’t care less” when you want to express complete indifference. Then again, maybe ditch this one altogether — apathy isn’t cool, particularly not these days!
7. “OMG”
Unless you’ve literally witnessed a miracle or a celebrity just walked past, tone down the constant melodrama. Overusing “OMG” for every minor thing makes you look immature. Save those big reactions for moments that actually deserve them, and you’ll sound far more believable.
8. “I Know, Right?”
This meaningless affirmation adds nothing to the conversation. If you actually agree, back it up with a real opinion or example. If you don’t, well, say that! Otherwise, you’re just a parrot repeating empty phrases.
9. “Whatever”
This is one word that will immediately garner an eye roll from most people who hear it. It’s dripping with sarcasm and dismissiveness. Want to sound smarter? Either engage in the conversation with an actual thought or opinion, or politely excuse yourself from a discussion that doesn’t interest you.
10. “I’m So OCD”
Unless you have an actual Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder diagnosis, stop trivializing this serious mental health condition. Liking things neat or being organized doesn’t make you OCD, it just makes you… well, organized. Pathologizing your (totally normal) habits doesn’t make you cool or quirky. Stop this.
11. “Hashtag”
Hashtags have their place (like on social media), but throwing them into everyday conversation is pointless and annoying. Unless you’re being ironic, ditch the hashtags for actual words that contribute to the discussion. This sounds like a “Love Island” episode come to life, and that’s… not good. It certainly doesn’t sound intelligent!
12. “Just Saying”
This passive-aggressive gem usually follows a subtly mean comment. It’s a cowardly way to avoid taking responsibility for your words. If you’re going to say something, own it! If it’s hurtful, maybe keep it to yourself. You don’t need to “just say” anything — and you certainly don’t need to qualify or justify it if you do.
13. “No Offense”
If you’re about to say something potentially rude or hurtful, this disclaimer doesn’t magically cancel it out. Just think before you speak. If you genuinely believe what you’re about to say won’t cause offense, ditch the fake apology. If it might cause hurt, rephrase it or keep it to yourself.
14. “To Be Honest”
Yikes. Using this implies you’re not always truthful, which makes people question everything you say. Be trustworthy from the start, and you won’t need this phrase to try and regain credibility. Obviously, some people use this as meaningless filler and it’s something they say just because everyone else does. That doesn’t make it right — just dump it from your vocab now.
15. “Literally Can’t Even”
Seriously? (See my previous rant on this phrase!) It adds zero value to a conversation. If you’re truly overwhelmed, find real words to express HOW and WHY you’re at your breaking point, not this lazy catch-all. You can’t even what, exactly? Express your thoughts and feelings clearly? You should probably work on that.
16. “On Fleek”
©iStock/svetikd
Unless you’re ironically mocking trends, this word has passed its expiration date. If something’s great, amazing, or perfect, just say that! No need for outdated slang that makes you sound like you’re trying too hard.
17. “Sorry Not Sorry”
This is the ultimate in fake apologies. If you mean it, offer a sincere apology. If you don’t care that you hurt someone, own your insensitivity instead of hiding behind this childish non-apology.
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