There’s nothing worse than someone who walks around like the sun shines out of their backside.
They’re rude, condescending, and downright unbearable. It can be a real conversation killer and leave you feeling a bit deflated. Here are some of the things you’re likely to hear come out of their mouths.
1. “Let me dumb this down for you.”
This implies the speaker believes they possess superior knowledge and that you’re incapable of grasping complex concepts. It’s a patronising way to explain something and can make you feel like you’re being talked down to.
2. “Well, actually…”
This seemingly innocuous phrase often precedes a correction or a subtle put-down. It can make you feel like your contribution is being dismissed or that your knowledge is being undermined. It’s a classic tactic used by those who want to assert their intellectual dominance.
3. “That’s cute, but…”
This is often used to dismiss someone’s idea or opinion as trivial or insignificant. It’s a condescending way to make someone feel like their contribution isn’t worth serious consideration. It can be particularly hurtful when used in a professional setting, where everyone’s ideas should be valued and respected.
4. “As I already explained…”
Repeating information as if the other person wasn’t paying attention is a guaranteed way to make them feel belittled. It implies that the speaker is more intelligent or patient than the listener, who is seemingly incapable of understanding simple instructions or explanations.
5. “You wouldn’t understand.”
This is the epitome of condescension. It shuts down any further discussion and dismisses the other person’s ability to comprehend the topic at hand. It’s a way of saying, “I’m smarter than you, so there’s no point in even trying to explain it to you.” Ouch.
6. “I’m surprised you know about that.”
This backhanded compliment implies that the person is not expected to be knowledgeable about the subject, thus diminishing their expertise. It can be particularly insulting when directed at someone who is clearly an expert in their field.
7. “You just need to…” followed by unsolicited advice.
Offering advice without being asked can come across as patronising and dismissive of the person’s ability to solve their own problems. It assumes that the speaker knows better and that the other person is incapable of making sound decisions on their own.
8. “Do you even know what you’re talking about?”
This question is a direct attack on someone’s intelligence and credibility. It’s a way of undermining their confidence and making them doubt their own knowledge. It’s a disrespectful and hurtful way to engage in conversation, and it often shuts down any possibility of productive dialogue.
9. “That’s so obvious, I can’t believe you didn’t know that.”
This phrase belittles someone for not knowing something that the speaker considers basic knowledge. It creates an environment where people are afraid to ask questions or admit their lack of knowledge, hindering learning and growth.
10. “I’m not being rude, I’m just being honest.”
This is often used as a justification for delivering a hurtful or condescending comment. It’s a way of deflecting responsibility for one’s words and dismissing the impact they have on others. True honesty can be delivered with tact and empathy, without resorting to rudeness or condescension.
11. “I’m just saying…”
This seemingly harmless phrase often serves as a disclaimer for a potentially hurtful or offensive comment. It’s a way of trying to avoid responsibility for the impact of one’s words by downplaying them as a mere observation or opinion. However, it doesn’t excuse rudeness or insensitivity.
12. “It’s not rocket science.”
This minimises the complexity of a task or concept, implying that anyone who doesn’t understand it is lacking in intelligence. It’s a dismissive way to make someone feel inadequate or incapable. Remember, everyone has different strengths and weaknesses, and what may be easy for one person may not be for another.
13. “I’m only trying to help.”
This is often used to justify unsolicited advice or criticism. However, it can come across as patronising and condescending, especially when the other person hasn’t asked for help. It’s important to respect people’s autonomy and only offer assistance when it’s genuinely welcome.
14. “You’re overreacting.”
Dismissing someone’s feelings or reactions as an overreaction is a form of gaslighting. It invalidates their emotions and makes them doubt their own perceptions. It’s important to acknowledge and validate people’s feelings, even if you don’t necessarily agree with their reaction.
15. “Calm down.”
Telling someone to calm down when they’re expressing strong emotions can be dismissive and invalidating. It suggests that their feelings are irrational or unjustified. Instead of trying to silence someone’s emotions, try to understand where they’re coming from and offer support.
16. “You’re so sensitive.”
This is often used to dismiss someone’s feelings or reactions as overly emotional or irrational. It can be particularly hurtful when used in a context where someone is expressing vulnerability or sharing a personal experience. Sensitivity is not a weakness, and it’s important to respect people’s emotions, even if you don’t necessarily share them.
17. “You always…” or “You never…”
These generalisations are rarely accurate and often escalate conflict. They paint the other person in a negative light and make them feel defensive. Instead of resorting to these sweeping statements, focus on specific behaviours or incidents that are causing concern.
18. “With all due respect…”
This is often used as a preface to a disrespectful or condescending comment. It’s a way of trying to soften the blow, but it usually has the opposite effect. If you genuinely have respect for someone, it will be evident in your words and actions, without the need for this disclaimer.
19. “You should be grateful.”
This is often used to guilt someone into accepting something they don’t want or to minimise their contributions or sacrifices. It’s a manipulative tactic that can damage relationships and create resentment.
20. “I told you so.”
This is the ultimate smug response when someone makes a mistake or faces a setback. It’s a way of saying, “I was right all along, and you were wrong.” It offers no constructive criticism or support, only self-satisfaction at the expense of the other person’s feelings.
