There’s a certain type of person who walks into a conversation and immediately starts speaking like they’re auditioning for a TED Talk. You know the type. They don’t just explain, they expound. They use five-dollar words when a fifty-cent one would do just fine. And suddenly, you’re wondering if you’re in a meeting or a spelling bee.
This isn’t about education or IQ. It’s about the need to show off. Some people toss around these phrases like verbal glitter, hoping to impress or intimidate. If you’ve ever felt low-key judged in a group chat or been side-eyed in a boardroom, this list might feel oddly familiar.
I’m Just Playing Devil’s Advocate
This one pretends to be neutral, but often lands as contrarian for the sake of it. Unless you’re in law school or a debate club, people rarely appreciate unsolicited devilry.
I Think You’ll Find That…
Translation: “I know something you don’t.” It’s a soft flex. Many academics use it, but outside that space, it can sound condescending. You could simply state what you need to without the rambling.
Per My Last Email
Corporate America’s version of a throat-clear. It’s often used to say, “I already explained this, and you didn’t get it.” Ouch. It’s subtle yet loud. Some might argue that they are not being rude, umm…can you say that to the boss?
As I Previously Stated
This is the older cousin of “per my last email.” It’s usually rolled out during meetings where people are trying too hard to sound like they’re managing a crisis. I find that this is a favorite of people who are hardly open to new opinions.
To Be Fair
This often occurs when someone is about to shift blame or offer a “correction.” It can be dismissive, especially if you’re venting or sharing something personal.
Actually
Used alone, it’s harmless. Used at the start of a sentence, it often means “you’re wrong and I’m here to fix it.” A Carleton University report found that people perceive frequent use of “actually” as a signal of condescension or mansplaining in the workplace.
It’s Not That Simple
Said like they hold a secret rulebook you don’t. This phrase often shows up in conversations about jobs, tech, money, or history. It can be valid, but it’s often used to shut others down.
That’s Just Semantics
This is a classic way to dismiss someone’s point by acting like word choice is the only issue. People argue over wordings online and offline, and this phrase feeds right into that tension.
With All Due Respect
Spoiler: disrespect is on the way. This phrase shows up right before someone disagrees with you, like they’re doing you a favor. Most times, what they have to say might even hurt so much, so I wonder, why use that phrase?
Let’s Unpack That
This sounds helpful, but it often signals a lecture is coming. Instead of chatting naturally, the speaker positions themselves as the person peeling back layers you missed.
Well, Technically
Here comes the nitpick. It’s usually followed by a correction that misses the bigger picture. Think of someone interrupting a heartfelt story to correct a date or location.
That’s a Straw Man Argument
This phrase is part logic lesson, part verbal eye-roll. It’s fair game in debate, but in casual talk, it can come off like someone’s trying to win rather than connect.
Let Me Play This Out for You
Sounds like a coach drawing up a plan. Often used to sound superior, as if the speaker is the only one who’s thought it through. It’s weird, but the speaker might just be too opinionated, and that’s all that is about.
The Data Speaks for Itself
Except data rarely does. This phrase is meant to shut down disagreement by throwing stats like a mic drop. But even data needs context. People often have “low trust” in those who use data to argue without clarifying the source, bias, or context.
As … Says
This phrase may seem weird, but it fits. Some folks sprinkle in big names, “As Malcolm Gladwell says…” to make themselves sound wiser by association. Name-dropping during introductions reduces likability and is often a symptom of narcissism.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
How Total Beginners Are Building Wealth Fast in 2025—No Experience Needed
How Total Beginners Are Building Wealth Fast in 2025
I used to think investing was something you did after you were already rich. Like, you needed $10,000 in a suit pocket and a guy named Chad at some fancy firm who knew how to “diversify your portfolio.” Meanwhile, I was just trying to figure out how to stretch $43 to payday.
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5 Easy Steps to Change Any Habit
5 Easy Steps to Change Any Habit
We all click on them with the hope that just THIS time the secret to changing a bad habit or adopting a healthy one will be revealed and we’ll finally be able to stick to that diet, stop that one or ten things that might in the moment make us feel temporarily good but really just make us fat, unhealthy, sad, mad or just frustrated with ourselves.
