You know those people who just sound crazy smart when they talk? Like it’s almost a different language with all the big words and complex expressions they use? Yeah, we’ve all been there – feeling a little lost and wishing we could decipher what they’re even saying!
Well, get ready because this post is going to let you in on 20 of the most common phrases that seem to roll right off the tongues of highly intelligent folks. Maybe you’ll start using them yourself and have your friends wondering “Who is this genius??”
It’s actually kind of fun to peek behind the curtain and see how sharp minds communicate. Plus, understanding these brainy sayings might just make you feel a bit smarter yourself! Whether you want to low-key impress your buddies or simply avoid that confused head-tilt the next time your teacher starts sounding like a dictionary, this list has you covered.
“That’s a non-sequitur.”
This phrase means the previous statement does not logically follow or make sense in relation to what came before. Smart people use it when someone randomly changes the topic or makes a comment that feels out of place and unconnected.
It helps point out flaws in reasoning and conversational flow. Using “non-sequitur” shows you can identify logical gaps and redirect dialogue. Don’t feel bad if you say something unrelated – these intellectual folks may just call out the “non-sequitur” to get things back on track.
“Let’s consider the counterfactual.”
Essentially, they want to explore and examine the opposite of what was previously stated or assumed to be true. Imagining these “what if” alternative scenarios and counterfactual realities exercises critical thinking skills.
People with high IQs love to regularly ponder and analyze hypothetical situations that go against the facts. It allows them to look at issues from multiple angles more comprehensively. So be prepared for them to eagerly play devil’s advocate and theorize about contradictory perspectives.
“I find that notion rather specious.”
When someone describes an argument or idea as specious, they are suggesting it is incorrect, misleading, or deceptively flawed in some way. Highly intellectual people aim to politely dismantle any reasoning or logic they perceive as unsound or based on false premises.
Using the term “specious” is their way of skeptically and sophisticatedly disagreeing while implying the concept lacks merit. Don’t be surprised or offended if they scrutinize your claims and attempt to counter them – these brilliant minds simply want to uncover truth over falsehoods.
“Let’s table that discussion for now.”
This phrase means postponing and setting aside the current conversation or debate temporarily, but with the intention of revisiting it later. Brilliant minds understand there are times when continued discourse has become unproductive for the moment.
Perhaps they need more time to thoroughly gather information and evidence first before continuing. Or maybe the dialogue has stalled or gone off course, signaling a strategic regrouping is necessary. Either way, “tabling” allows for a temporary pause so cooler heads can prevail.
“That’s merely an anecdotal example.”
Claiming something is “anecdotal” implies the evidence or justification provided is based solely on personal experiences, isolated stories, or specific singular cases alone. For people with high intelligence, a few funny anecdotes or interesting tales don’t constitute definitive, empirical proof.
They much prefer quantifiable data and measurable facts over individual sample examples when making broader judgments. So be ready to systematically back up any generalized statements with more comprehensive support.
“You’re begging the question there.”
This statement suggests the initial argument or claim contained circular reasoning by making an assumption it should have been proving or justifying first with evidence. In other words, it used the very thing it was trying to prove as the proof itself.
Astute, logical people can quickly identify and call out these types of cyclical logical fallacies. They rigorously refuse to let any part of an argument’s basis go unexamined or take existing assumptions for granted. Validity must be established.
“That’s an overgeneralization.”
Extremely intelligent individuals tend to be quite wary of overly broad, sweeping statements that attempt to simply or generalize matters in an exaggerated way. They know that reality is nuanced and complex, so they routinely critique cases of generalization that lack sufficient context and specificity.
Using this phrase asks for more precise, detailed qualifications rather than blanket statements that overapply. High IQ people want claims and characterizations to be measured and particular, not vague and hyperbolic.
“Let’s shift our frame of reference.”
Having the mental dexterity and flexibility to reframe an issue or problem from an entirely new perspective is a strength brilliant minds possess. These intellectually nimble folks don’t get stuck viewing topics through a solitary lens.
Suggesting an intentional “shift” allows for innovative insights by reimagining the context entirely. Don’t be surprised when they spontaneously recontextualize problems in unique ways – it’s all part of their dynamic higher-level thinking.
“I’m playing devil’s advocate here, but…”
This phrase gives fair warning that the person is about to take an opposing viewpoint, not necessarily because they disagree, but in order to objectively explore potential counterpoints and downsides.
Having this level-headed tendency to consider contrasting perspectives is a trademark of brilliance. Highly intelligent people relish productive disagreement and challenging norms over simply defaulting to blind conformity. They play “devil’s advocate” to spur deeper discussion.
“That’s merely an ad hominem attack.”
To critique or invalidate someone’s argument by attacking their personal traits or characteristics is considered a flawed tactic by astute thinkers. They condemn this rhetorical strategy because it avoids addressing the actual merits and reasoning of the person’s position.
Using the term “ad hominem” shows the individual values substantive discourse over descending into petty personal insults or put-downs. Sophisticated rhetoric and legitimate debate is far more valuable.
“You’re displaying cognitive dissonance.”
To exhibit cognitive dissonance is to hold two directly conflicting beliefs or values simultaneously. Those with high IQs can often swiftly spot these contradictory inconsistencies in others’ statements, reasoning, and logic.
This phrase highlights the psychological importance of examining your own belief systems for contradictions and realigning them into coherence. Brilliant people appreciate sound reasoning and strive for intellectual harmonization over hypocrisy.
“Let’s look at this through a Bayesian lens.”
Bayesian thinking is a refined conceptual approach to interpreting new evidence as it arises based on revising previously assumed probability estimates. It provides a systematic framework for calibrating predictions and updating beliefs in light of accumulating data.
Applying this sophisticated statistical paradigm demonstrates an admirable level of intellectual discipline, rigorous empiricism, and reasoned skepticism – all traits that characterize many brilliant personalities.
“We should examine the null hypothesis.”
Before attempting to disprove or validate a hypothesis, science first proposes a “null hypothesis” stating no correlation or effect exists between the variables involved. This establishes an unbiased baseline.
Introducing the null hypothesis in discourse reveals a judicious desire to approach investigation objectively from the outset. It signals a disciplined willingness to initially assume no meaningful relationship until forced to by contradictory observable evidence. Proper scientific thinking.
“Your cognitive biases are showing.”
Everybody has tendencies and mental predispositions toward certain entrenched patterns of thinking, judging, and reasoning due to their own unique set of underlying unconscious biases. However, those operating at high levels of intelligence make a concentrated effort to routinely identify these preset distortional leanings in themselves and others.
Directly pointing out when someone’s “cognitive biases are showing” underscores these brilliant individuals’ commitment to intellectual honesty and seeing reality as impartial as possible. Still, we’re all works in progress.
“Hmm, that’s more of an existential question.”
Occasionally, the nature of an inquiry or topic strays into such grand and perplexing territory that it essentially becomes one of the eternal existential questions about human existence and our cosmic reality.
Highly intelligent people can readily recognize when a line of questioning has transcended the nuts-and-bolts analytical and entered the realm of humanity’s deepest enduring mysteries. This phrase deftly separates the metaphysical and philosophical from the more concrete and grounded.
“You’re committing the straw man fallacy.”
A straw man argument is a disingenuous tactic where someone misrepresents the opposing viewpoint or position into an easily dismissed and defeated caricature or distortion. Highly logical people have an acute disdain for this obfuscating rhetorical fallacy.
Calling it out reflects both their expertise in coherent reasoning as well as respect for substantive, meaningful discourse. The goal is progression through ideas, not cheap redundancy or mischaracterization.
At the end of the day, the way really smart people communicate can sometimes seem like a totally different language! But getting familiar with phrases like “non-sequitur,” “begging the question,” and “cognitive dissonance” gives you a peek into how those big brains operate.
