Spotting genuine intelligence in conversation isn’t always easy. Sometimes, the words people choose can reveal more than they realize. Certain phrases and patterns tend to pop up often in the speech of those with below-average intelligence, offering subtle hints about their thought process.
Let’s look at seven common expressions you might hear—and what they could really say about a person’s cognitive abilities.
Overusing intensifiers
Some people pepper their sentences with words like really, very, and extremely to make their point. But when intensifiers become a regular part of someone’s vocabulary, it often signals a limited ability to find more precise language. For example, saying something is “really good” instead of “exceptional.” This isn’t a strict rule, but it can point to a lack of linguistic creativity.
Repeating the same stories
Ever notice how some people tell the same anecdote again and again? When someone keeps recycling familiar stories, it could be a sign they lack intellectual depth or new experiences to share. It’s not about judgment, but about recognizing patterns that can help us understand their communication style.
Binge-watching reality TV
Studies show a link between low intelligence and a heavy preference for reality TV. In conversation, people with below-average intelligence may reference these shows often, using them as talking points or sources of opinion. We all have guilty pleasures, but it’s useful to notice how our media habits influence the way we communicate.
Using clichés as a crutch
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Clichés are everywhere, and using one now and then is normal. But leaning on them in every conversation can be a sign of unoriginal thinking. These ready-made phrases require little thought and often replace more creative or meaningful expressions. Next time, try swapping out a cliché for your own words—it will make your conversations stand out.
Resorting to insults in disagreements
When a debate gets heated, some people start throwing insults instead of making logical points. This often happens when someone can’t clearly explain their perspective. Resorting to personal attacks usually reflects limited emotional intelligence and poor argumentation skills.
Boasting about intelligence
Ironically, those who constantly brag about how smart they are often reveal the opposite. Genuinely intelligent people tend to be humble and aware that there’s always more to learn. Repeatedly claiming intelligence can be a way to cover up insecurity or a lack of deeper understanding.
He lived for years thinking he had a rock with gold, but it was a hidden treasure
Struggling with abstract concepts
Some individuals find it difficult to discuss abstract ideas or metaphors. If someone can only understand things that are concrete or literal, it can indicate challenges with higher-level thinking. This doesn’t mean avoiding complex discussions—just that explaining things in simple terms might help everyone stay on the same page.
In the end, these phrases aren’t proof of low intelligence—but they can offer insights into how people think and communicate. By recognizing them, we can focus on improving our own communication skills and understanding others better.
Yupperdoody. I know who exhibits those traits in a really bigly way every day…same lines, same repeated grievances (with monotonous regularity.)
So.
I was thinking the same🤔😉
Probably the exact same orange person I was thinking of!
Every single trait is his!
Oh I love it.
your mom, right?
These people also apparently have no other stories or higher order thinking than Orange Man Bad. They’re yuge disappointments.
Niceee hahah
“Yupperdoody” may be my new favorite word!
And oddly fitting for discussing a particularly oozing orange turd.
(Oops- Did I resort to personal insults? My apologies. I’ve written thousands of wordy articles, posts and comments on over the past 10 years. But recently I have come to realize that sometimes you don’t need to spell out the obvious.)
C’mon, man!
“Poor kids are just as bright and just as talented as white kids.”
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men and women were created by the go-, uh, you know the, you know the thing!”
“If you have a problem figuring out whether you’re for me or Trump, then you ain’t black.”
“America is a nation that can be defined in a single word
*gibberish*”
WTH is yuppersoody.
This is not 100% accurate. There’s highly intelligent people out there that are in the spectrum with low social IQ versus low intelligence. There needs to be more research done before writing an article like this.
Bravo!!!!
True. Some that are on the autistic spectrum, which is a neurological condition affecting social skills and emotional intelligence, are often highly intelligent by traditional definitions yet may exhibit some of these traits.
I totally agree. I’ve known people who were/are great thinkers but poor communicators.
Yes. Many aren’t verbally intelligent. However, people do need to work on their social and verbal intelligence sometimes. Although some people are too far on that end as well and need to shut up.
So we can’t speak our minds these days cause everyone gets offended over the truth… millions Can handle the truth…they got suckered by trump for example. Pull the wool over millions eyes not mine . I know he’s a bankrupter….
Sounds a lot like Trump
No it doesn’t sound like him. It sounds like you are belittling him to make yourself feel important.
C’mon, man!
Your Pedo-in-Chief couldn’t put a complete sentence together if his ice cream depended in it.
You know, often used by people talking on television. News interviews especially.
Re: Reality TV: I’m a lawyer, not saying my intelligence is top notch but definitely not below average. My colleagues and I often discuss reality TV we’ve binged watched, because after a long day at work dealing with complex legal issues – it can be relaxing and fun to watch brainless and entertaining shows that have stupid drama. Thus, I wouldn’t equate people who watch reality TV with lessor intelligence, and maybe I’d go further and say that it is often the people who have stressful jobs involving a high degree intelligence who feel okay taking a brain break and chilling out with shows less “intelligent.”
Re: bringing up reality TV in topics of conversation- this is my go to when I want to break the ice between people or especially if I’m negotiating with an adversary and want to joke about a non controversial topic. No better way to make people laugh then to talk about the ridiculousness of the Bachelor.
You have listed all the highlights of Donald J. Trump! I worked in the field of Developmental Disabilities for nearly 30 years and I can spot the signs of low intelligence clearly in our Chief Executive. For instance, he gives a commencement speech at West Point and suddenly he spends 10-12 minutes on “trophy wives”? In addition, any person who can only spend 3 minutes reading from a teleprompter before wandering off topic has extreme difficulty putting several coherent thoughts together. IQ well below average!
30 years in “Developmental Disabilities”…honestly? Wacky
inappropriate partisan comments aside, you’re totally off base. Did it ever occur to you that having the ability to move on and off a teleprompter might actually be a sign of intelligence and composure? Ever watch Biden use a teleprompter?
Guess that would make Joey Biden having an IQ of a rock.
I find this article extremely judgemental and negative.You can’t judge a person’s intelligence by phrases or words they use. It may just mean they haven’t had the education or exposure to others around them. You should at least change the negative title. No one is superior to anyone.I think it’s a matter of life experiences. We all have a unique perspective to offer.
How interesting one would find this negative and judgemental. When another sees it as spot on and an opportunity to fine tune communication. I think if the shoe fits. ..
Thank you! Curious people I find intelligent. And those less judgemental. My husband has little education and word power but is genius at adapting and building things. Has amazing ideas and creativity. I used so many big 10 dollar words when younger and was ostracized for it. Not so much now. Being kind and patient is needed in this world. Some of the most learned people on earth have no love for anyone or anything on earth. They like destroying and manipulation of masses through fascist fear mongering. Sad.
I see what you did there. Well done!
The phrase “as well” is starting to get a little worn.
Everyone who commented so far has explained exactly what the article says with their comments. The article doesn’t mention Trump but bringing up others to give an example is pretty much what was talked about. You can smell the TDS (Trump Derangement Syndrome)here. It’s sad to say the least.
And it’s very thick here with the low IQ ‘educated’ crowd.
He may be a fictional character, but Forrest Gump gave me words to live by with his “momma always told me, stupid is as stupid does.” Same goes for genius.
Trump is far more intelligent than people give him credit for. And what many people (who think they are so intelligent) can’t seem to understand is his sense of humor. People with low emotional intelligence are often offended by things he says with sarcasm. People greatly misunderstand Tucker Carlson for the same reason.
I believe you are correct in the inability of people to use the language correctly is a sign of a lack of simple communication skills.
The misuse of the word ‘get’ and it’s evil cousins ‘getting’ and ‘got’ cause me discomfort. Especially when it’s used by people who are paid to use the language correctly.
The other phrase that makes me crazy is, ‘real quick’. There are at least two possible uses of this phrase and if used as a request, it’s simply dreadful.
For commenting sake, I think Grandma’s was rather funny. Thank you for finding the humor and your truth in the article. FYI, I’m only reading to become a better learner.
I voted for Trump. True sign of Amercan values!!!