People Who Are Sorely Lacking In Class Often Use These 12 Phrases

Find out which words reveal a lack of class.

Two women sit at a table; the woman on the right, in a yellow shirt, appears to be speaking or expressing frustration, gesturing with her hands. The woman on the left, in a denim jacket, looks away with a neutral or indifferent expression.

Ever been in a conversation that left you utterly exasperated because of the lack of grace on display? We’ve all encountered those folks who seem to have skipped the “How to Be a Decent Human” class.

You know the type—they drop verbal bombs that leave you wondering if they were raised by wolves (apologies to wolves everywhere).

Let’s look at some classless catchphrases that scream “I have the social grace of a bull in a china shop!”

1. “I can’t even.”

A woman with long brown hair wears a dark shirt and sits on a couch in a living room. She looks directly at the camera with a slight smile and raised eyebrows, holding both index fingers up. A bookshelf and a potted plant are visible in the background.

Oh, honey, we know you can’t. But guess what? Adults use their words. This phrase is the verbal equivalent of throwing up your hands and stomping off like a toddler. It’s the go-to for those who find forming complete sentences too taxing. Next time you’re tempted to utter this gem, take a deep breath and try articulating your thoughts. You might surprise yourself!

2. “I’m just saying.”

A woman with a concerned expression sits on a couch, leaning her head on her hand, attentively listening to a man gesturing with his hands. The background includes a plant and part of a window with curtains.

No, you’re not “just saying.” You’re being passive-aggressive and trying to dodge the fallout. This phrase is the coward’s way of making a pointed comment without taking responsibility for it. It’s like throwing a grenade and pretending you’re just tossing confetti. Own your words, champ. If you’re brave enough to say it, be brave enough to stand by it.

3. “No offense, but…”

A woman with long dark hair, wearing a pink shirt, leans forward with a perplexed expression, hands outstretched and palms up. She appears to be speaking to another person whose back is to the camera, only partially visible on the left side of the image.

Newsflash: Following this phrase with something offensive doesn’t magically make it inoffensive. It’s like saying “Don’t get wet, but I’m going to throw this bucket of water at you.” If you find yourself about to voice these words, stop. Rewind. Ask yourself: Is what I’m about to say necessary, kind, or constructive? If not, maybe keep it to yourself.

4. “Whatever.”

A woman with long blonde hair and a dark shirt sits on a bed, shrugging with a playful, puzzled expression. She faces another person with short dark hair who is slightly out of focus. In the background, there are shelves, a clock, and a window letting in light.

The battle cry of the defeated arguer! When you’ve run out of intelligent responses, just dismiss the entire conversation with a single word. Bonus points if you pair it with an eye roll and a hair flip. This verbal white flag is the equivalent of taking your ball and going home when the game isn’t going your way. Time to grow up.

5. “I’m just keeping it real.”

A man with a beard and checkered shirt gestures emphatically while speaking, as a woman with long brown hair and a white shirt covers her ears with a distressed expression. They are in a kitchen with light green walls and appliances in the background.

Translation: “I’m about to be unnecessarily rude, but I want to frame it as honesty.” Here’s a wild idea: You can be honest AND tactful. Mind-blowing, right? Being “real” doesn’t give you a free pass to trample over people’s feelings. Try keeping it kind instead.

6. “I don’t have time for this.”

A young woman sitting on a couch with her arms crossed and looking away while an older woman beside her seems to be speaking and gesturing. The scene appears to be a serious conversation in a living room setting.

Oh, really? You don’t have time for basic human interaction or problem-solving? This phrase screams “I’m too important for your petty concerns.” Heads up: We’re all busy. But people with class make time for what matters. If you genuinely don’t have time, try a more polite alternative. Your future self will thank you when people actually want to help you out.

7. “Who even cares?”

A woman with long, wavy hair sits in a modern living room with a puzzled expression, shrugging her shoulders. She is wearing a polka-dotted blouse. The background features a gray sofa, bookshelves, a lamp, and hanging lights.

This phrase is a one-way ticket to Jerkville, population: you. It dismisses others’ concerns and paints you as too cool to be bothered. But you know what? Caring is cool. Empathy is rad. Next time these words are about to pass your lips, try asking yourself why someone might care. You might learn something!

8. “That’s just how I am.”

A woman with long brown hair wearing a red sleeveless top is sitting on a couch, gesturing with her hands in a frustrated or animated manner, speaking to another woman with long brown hair wearing a striped shirt, who is seen from behind. The setting is a bright, modern living room.

The classic cop-out for people who refuse to grow or change. It’s like saying, “I acknowledge I’m being difficult, but I refuse to do anything about it.” Personal growth isn’t optional, it’s essential. Instead of using this as a shield, try, “I’m working on that.” It shows you’re aware and trying to improve.

9. “Not my problem.”

Two women sit on a light gray couch in a living room, engaged in a heated conversation. The woman on the left wears a striped shirt and has her hands raised, expressing frustration. The woman on the right, with long hair, faces her and also gestures while speaking.

Well, well, well, if it isn’t the anthem of the self-centered! This phrase is like wearing a neon sign that says, “I lack empathy and basic human decency.” Even if something isn’t directly your responsibility, showing concern for others is what separates us from, well, less evolved life forms. Try “How can I help?” instead. You might find it’s not such a burden after all.

10. “I’m just saying what everyone else is thinking”

A man in a gray polo shirt stands against a plain gray background. He has a perplexed expression, with one eyebrow slightly raised and his mouth slightly open. His right hand is raised in an open gesture, as if questioning or explaining something.

Hold up there, mind reader! This phrase is often used to justify saying something inappropriate or hurtful. It’s a weak attempt to deflect responsibility for your words onto some imaginary consensus. Let me offer this insight: If you wouldn’t want it said about you, maybe don’t say it about others. Novel concept, right?

11. “That’s so cringe”

Two women engage in a conversation against a plain blue background. One woman, wearing a red embroidered top, gestures with open hands. The other woman, in a white headband and a light purple shirt, responds with a pointing gesture and a smile.

Congratulations! You’ve just showcased your limited vocabulary and judgmental nature in one fell swoop. This phrase is the linguistic equivalent of a dismissive hand wave. It’s a lazy way to criticize without offering any real insight. Instead of labeling things as “cringe,” why not expand your vocabulary? Or better yet, practice a little empathy and understanding.

12. “You’ll never understand.”

A man and a woman sit at a table in a cozy café, engaged in an animated conversation. The man holds a white coffee cup while the woman gestures with her hands. On the table are glasses of orange juice and an iced latte, along with a phone.

Ah, the rallying cry of the eternally misunderstood! This phrase is a conversation killer, shutting down any chance for meaningful dialogue. It’s often used when someone doesn’t want to put in the effort to explain their perspective. Remember, communication is a two-way street. If you want to be understood, you need to be willing to help others understand. Give it a try.