You’re not an idiot by any means, but you could be saying things that make people wonder if you might be.
There are certain words and phrases that may be part of your vocabulary that put a question mark over your IQ. You might be better off removing these from your repertoire as soon as possible.
1. “I could care less.”
If you could care less, it implies you care at least a little bit. The correct phrase is “I couldn’t care less,” meaning you have zero care left to give. It’s a subtle difference, but it can make you sound a bit muddled.
2. “For all intensive purposes.”
This sounds like it makes sense, but the actual phrase is “for all intents and purposes.” It means “in every practical sense” or “effectively.” Using the wrong version can make it seem like you’re just throwing words together without understanding their meaning.
3. “Irregardless.”
This one’s a double negative. “Regardless” already means “without regard to” or “despite something.” Adding the “ir” at the beginning makes it redundant and a bit nonsensical. Just stick with “regardless” and you’ll be golden.
4. “I seen it.”
This is a grammatical slip-up that’s quite common in casual conversation. The correct past tense of “see” is “saw.” Saying “I seen it” can make you sound like you’re not paying attention to basic grammar rules.
5. “Me and my friend…”
When listing people, it’s polite to put yourself last. So, the correct way to say this would be “My friend and I…” It’s a small change, but it shows you’re mindful of social etiquette and grammar.
6. “It’s a mute point.”
A “mute” point would be one that can’t be spoken. The correct phrase is “moot point,” meaning it’s irrelevant or no longer worth discussing. Mixing these up can make it seem like you’re not quite grasping the concept.
7. “Should of, could of, would of.”
These are all incorrect. The correct versions are “should have,” “could have,” and “would have.” They’re often contracted to “should’ve,” “could’ve,” and “would’ve,” which might explain the confusion. But using the wrong versions can make you sound a bit careless with your language.
8. “I literally died.”
Unless you’re speaking from beyond the grave, you probably didn’t literally die. Using “literally” for emphasis when you mean “figuratively” can weaken your language and make you sound a bit hyperbolic.
9. “Anyways…”
The correct word is “anyway,” without the “s.” Adding the extra “s” doesn’t add anything to the meaning and can make you sound a bit sloppy with your speech.
10. “Axe me a question.”
Unless you’re talking about chopping wood, the correct word is “ask.” “Axe” is an old-fashioned word that’s no longer commonly used in this context.
11. “I’m good” (when offered something).
While this is a common response, it can be a bit ambiguous. If someone offers you something, like a drink or a piece of cake, and you don’t want it, it’s clearer to say “No, thank you.” Saying “I’m good” could be misinterpreted as you already having what’s being offered.
12. “It is what it is.”
This phrase can come across as dismissive or fatalistic. It suggests a lack of willingness to try to change or improve a situation. While sometimes acceptance is necessary, using this phrase too often can make you sound passive and unmotivated.
13. “Like…” (used as a filler word)
Sprinkling “like” throughout your sentences can be distracting and make you sound unsure of yourself. Try to be more mindful of your filler words and replace them with pauses or more thoughtful expressions.
14. “No offence, but…”
This phrase often precedes a statement that’s likely to be offensive. It’s better to simply avoid saying something hurtful in the first place. If you do need to express a potentially sensitive opinion, try to do so in a respectful and constructive way without the disclaimer.
15. “You know?” (used as a tag question)
Ending sentences with “you know?” can make you sound insecure or like you’re looking for validation. It’s better to express your thoughts confidently and directly.
16. “I’m so OCD about…”
OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) is a serious mental health condition. Using it casually to describe a preference for tidiness or organisation trivialises the struggles of those who actually live with OCD.
17. “I can’t even.”
This phrase is often used to express overwhelming emotions, but it can come across as immature and hyperbolic. Try to articulate your feelings more clearly and specifically.
