I am feeling like this sentence is trying to attack someone, but on the other hand it is trying to show other people superiority on the subject, I am so lost.
Is this passive aggressive?
Do they feel offended?
Are they trying to show that their not smart or vice versa?
I have no clue how to explain this statement.
5 comments
Do you have some more context for the statement?
Without context it could be any of those reasons.
I’ve never heard the phrase. You’ll probably have to ask the people who are saying it.
I’ve never heard it. It could use some context. I could see it being said sarcastically: “everyone here already knows everything (and is wrong), so I won’t waste my time”. Or being said with good humor after realizing I they were wrong: “oh. I was wrong and look stupid. I’m going to shut up so I don’t make it worse.”
Idk it’s a pretty weird thing to say no matter the reason. Even if it was truly genuine, it just would make anyone who’s talking uncomfortable.
The answer definitely requires more context. All those follow up questions depend on tone of voice, facial expressions, the situation, who was there, are they friends, body language and a whole lot more.
I would like to think that it is just a self deprecating joke/response. As I say similar things sometimes i.e.:
– Umm yeah, I’m just gonna be quiet now
– I’ll let you smarties talk
– I have no clue where this conversation went so I’m gonna go over there
– I am sooo confused so I’m just gonna be quiet
– What are you all talking about? ….oh nevermind I’ll leave you to it
And so on…
[The rest is my overanalysis]
But if they laughed while saying that and kept talking it was probably just a joke.
If they rolled their eyes and really kept quiet they were probably feeling insecure in their knowledge on the subject.
If they said that and stormed off probably the same as the above
Or maybe they said that, stayed there, and remained silent probably the same, feeling insecure in their understanding of the topic or the topic itself.
There are so many ways that phrase could be interpreted but at the crux of it, it is self deprecating.They are insinuating that the people who are talking about whatever subject are smarter than they are and therefore better in some sense.
Two, they are also suggesting that people who are less knowledgeable on something should not speak on it.
Three, probably feeling they will embarrass themself if they do say something.
Four, probably thinking people will be able to tell that they don’t know much about the subject and therefore be judged.
And that list goes on too
So I’m gonna stop because I myself am an overthinker and could twist this in several different ways.