Can you help me find the right word to describe this annoying person? (mander.xyz)

submitted 1 day ago by Mothra@mander.xyz to c/asklemmy@lemmy.world

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What do you call someone who is mediocre at best on a variety of fields but likes to pose as a polished and cultured person?

I'm not sure if I'm explaining this well. This person has a "I'm better than you" or "I know better and say it best" attitude, likes to pass as sensible and intellectual but when you contrast how they try to come across with what they actually do, how indifferent they are to others, and the quality of the skills they like to boast about it doesn't add up. It's all superficial, there is no substance to them, and no apparent self awareness ever of any of these shortcomings.

It's like a special brand of "full of it". Is there a word for it?

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[-] nimble 4 points 1 day ago

I mean it could be just some flavor of narcissism or being full of it.

Or it also could just be someone with adhd or changing interests but trying to find their way in life. That could explain the breadth of things. Maybe they're struggling and were raised to be too proud of themselves. These things don't make their behavior less annoying but they might make it more understandable. Like even if it is narcissism, that is largely a learned behavior. I guess i would just try to be kind instead of trying to find 1-2 words to sum up their existence

[-] Mothra@mander.xyz 4 points 1 day ago

It's alright, they may be neurodivergent as I am as well, and everyone has a story and a reason to be and do etc. I'm aware this isn't all there is to this person, I'm not trying to find two words to sum up their existence, just the part of their existence that rubs me off the wrong way.

this post was submitted on 24 Aug 2025

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