14 Words and Phrases That Make You Look Foolish

November 21, 2023

We frequently shape how other people perceive us by the words and expressions we use. A broad vocabulary may make you sound intelligent, but some words and expressions may have the reverse effect. On the list below, Reddit users caution us against using words that make you sound stupid.

Irregardless

Suspicious Cunning Male Caucasian Worker Looking At Serious Working African — Source: Shutterstock

Although Merriam-Webster listed “irregardless” as a real word, albeit non-standard, many Redditors agree that “irregardless” can still make you sound stupid.

I’m a (Any Horoscope Sign)

Horoscope Chart And Astrology. Future Love And Numerology — Source: Shutterstock

There is nothing wrong with following the Zodiac, the I Ching, or other ancient divination systems. Using “I’m a (sign)” to preface a statement is problematic because others will think of it as your worldview. Unless you are specifically referring to divination and cleromancy topics, it is better to leave the horoscope out.

Flat Earth

Using this expression to label skeptics dismissively is trite because not all conspiracy theories are the same. For example, people who discuss “chemtrails” do not always intersect with those who claim the Earth is flat. Now, if you believe in a pancake-shaped planet, you will need to explain how non-spherical gravity works.

Pacifically

Annoyed,angry,young,woman,mad,about,spam,message,stuck,phone — Source: Shutterstock

If you use “pacifically” to indicate a definite or specific manner, Redditors agree that it will make you sound stupid because the right word is “specifically.”

Being Gay Is a Lifestyle Choice

A Spectator Waves A Gay Rainbow Flag At An Lgbt — Source: Shutterstock

An inherent aspect of a person’s identity cannot be construed as a simple lifestyle choice. When you are dismissive of sexual orientation, you come across as someone who is intellectually deficient. One Redditor succinctly explained that hearing or reading this expression makes her go “aaaaand bye.”

Someone Said on (Any Social Media)

Man Podcasterin White Shirt Posing At Camera For Radio Podcast. — Source: Shutterstock

This is the 21st-century version of “I heard it through the grapevine,” and it makes you sound gullible. “A lot of misinformation can be found on social media” is a Redditor’s comment. You can avoid this by qualifying your statements and opinions with research and fact-checking instead of TikTok videos.

Woke

Working,toward,my,goal.,shot,of,a,young,man,using — Photo by PeopleImages.com – Yuri A on Shutterstock

This verb became an adjective through the writings of Marcus Garvey, but it has been appropriated for cruel irony. It is acceptable and correct to use woke in the context of social justice awareness. When you use this word for inflammatory sarcasm, you are essentially describing yourself as a politically misinformed dolt.

I Seen

Half Portrait Of A Young Girl With Glasses Looking Up — Source: Shutterstock

If you are texting and wish to skip a few taps of the touchscreen keyboard, “I saw” is shorter. The proper usage of the present perfect tense would be “I have seen.” When you skip the auxiliary “have,” you are broadcasting an inability to form compound verb tenses.

Slay

Vain,queen,wearing,a,crown,pointing,to,herself.,attention,seeker — Photo by Nicoleta Ionescu on Shutterstock

While many people use “slay” to describe something amazing, Redditors agree that it can also make you sound stupid.

I’m Alpha

Satisfied With Beautiful Sports Figure Male Examining His Reflection In — Source: Shutterstock

This makes you the first letter of the Greek alphabet or a partial pronouncement in the Book of Revelation. Articles and nouns are not words that make you sound stupid; don’t be afraid to use them. “I’m an alpha version tester of the new Reddit user interface.”

You Look Good

Woman On Date Talking To Man — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Not only is it misogynistic, but it also makes people feel like they don’t look good any other day. It is a degrading phrase overall.

I’m Not Afraid of AI

Abstract Digital Human Face. Artificial Intelligence Concept Of Big Data — Source: Shutterstock

Saying this anytime in the last year clearly indicates that you don’t understand how AI works or what it’s capable of. You might have been hiding under a rock.