Verbal Red Flags: Words and Phrases That Signal Potential Dislike
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Have you ever had that instant gut feeling when someone utters a particular word or phrase, and you immediately sense that you might not get along with that person? We’ve all experienced those moments when certain words become a red flag, signaling potential clashes in values or personality. In this exploration of verbal triggers, we ask the question: What words/phrases do you hear someone say and immediately know you’re probably not going to like the person?
Arrogant Expressions
To start, a Redditor commented, “I’m brutally honest.”
Ignorant Remarks
One Redditor replied, “People don’t like me because I tell it like it is.”
A second Redditor added, “I’m so bipolar,” to explain why they are indecisive or to play off poor life choices. Or just to say to sound quirky. Really hate that. I’m bipolar and rarely tell anyone.”
A third Redditor commented, “I hate this for “I’m so OCD,” too.”
Condescending Phrases
A popular comment was, “No offense, but…” just before saying the most offensive thing you’ve heard in your life.”
Sexist Language
A disgusting comment said, “Describes himself as an Alpha Male. Tells you implausible stories about how tough he is/how many women he’s “Banged.” Yeah, me and you gonna fall out soon, buddy.”
Another comment was, “Men are logical/analytical, and women are emotional.” That’s one of the most inaccurate statements I keep hearing every time I listen to a certain type of people on certain videos/podcasts.”
Racist Comments
One Redditor replied, “I’m not racist, but….”Yes. Yes, you are.“
Homophobic Slurs
A popular comment said, “I work in construction and am gay. I think construction workers are the only ones who still say ‘that’s gay’ about anything bad. So, any of those guys.”
Another comment was, “Anything derogatory regarding or referencing a group you’re not a part of, tells me all I need to know about what you think of yourself and others.”
Insensitive Phrases
A user wrote, “If a person humiliates others for the sake of boosting his own ego, I immediately stop communicating with that person.”
Religious Statements
One user replied, “Well, the bible says…” Followed by some incredibly ignorant thoughts.”
A second user added, “My brother in Christ,” So like every other Redditor.”
Political Extremism
One Redditor wrote, “At the first-morning meeting, he had a Daily Wire coffee mug that said, “This cup is filled with liberal tears.” Yeah, no thanks, dude. I don’t need your help with anything.”
Another Redditor added, “people who will insert, “well if Trump was still in office…” in every single conversation despite having nothing to do with politics.”
Dismissive Phrases
A user wrote, “Anyone older who says “back in my day…you younger people don’t know what hard work is…” Anything like that, as if they couldn’t buy a house on minimum wage and go to college without crippling debt. I personally graduated debt-free thanks to scholarships, but the older generations seem to not understand the wage/cost disparity between their generation and younger generations.”
Manipulative Tactics
One annoyed Redditor replied, “We’re a family here” in a work setting. Mother fu*****er, you just laid off “cousin” Bill.”
Anti-Intellectualism
A comment was, “Anything involving crystal healing, essential oils doing more than just smelling nice, or projecting one’s dreams into reality. I forget the exact term for the third thing at this moment.”
Another comment said, “Manifestation” is what you’re looking for. Essential oils are useful for some things, though. like lavender can help you feel sleepy and calm with the scent; it doesn’t cure fu*****ing cancer though.”
Ableist Language
One Redditor added, “I hate drama.” I have never heard someone say this unsolicited and not been exhausted with their shenanigans within a day.”
Classist Remarks
A user replied, “Got my shirt for x amount, my shoes for y amount type of people. You paid way more than normal people for stuff that’s not something to brag about. Also, do you really have no innate worth that you have to toss around price tags to attract people’s attention?”
Body-Shaming Phrases
Finally, a Redditor replied, “You’d be a lot prettier if you smiled.”
Redditors have shared their personal experiences, highlighting the impact certain linguistic cues can have on our initial impressions. It serves as a reminder that language holds immense power and that we should choose our words wisely to foster understanding and positive connections. Let us strive to be mindful of the words we use, promoting respect, empathy, and open-mindedness in our interactions.
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