People Who Are A Lot Smarter Than They Think They Are Often Say 6 Phrases In Casual Conversation

A new discussion piece argues that people who are “smarter than they think” often show it through self-defeating phrases used in casual conversation. It focuses on imposter syndrome—said to affect about 62% of people—where individuals attribute achievements to luck rather than ability. The article links six commonly heard comments to patterns of undervaluing one’s competence, including saying you’re not smart enough, assuming nobody wants your opinion, feeling like you don’t belong, and attributing success to luck. It cites the concept’s origin in 1978 work by Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Ament Imes, and references commentary from a UCLA Health psychiatrist, Brandon Ito.