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“What Words/Phrases Do You Hear Someone Say And Immediately Know You’re Probably Not Going To Like The Person?” (50 Answers)
We’ve all got pet peeves. Some people will smack anyone who starts chewing with their mouth open, and others might already be on their way home if a date shows up 5 minutes late. But there are also plenty of things people can say to make their potential friendships instantly go up in flames.
Someone recently asked Reddit users to share words and phrases that alert them that they won't like a person, and readers did not hold back. Below, you’ll find a variety of statements that people can't stand, so enjoy learning what not to say upon meeting someone, and be sure to upvote the phrases that you consider to be red flags as well!
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#1
Anything that involves "god's will"
The Blue Spirit 1 year ago (edited)
As a Christian (lol considering this article's title), I've always hated the use of that phrase. I do believe in God's will, but it shouldn't be used as a replacement for loving and serving a person, and definitely not as an excuse that a person "got what they deserved". God's will could be many things but it will always involve loving and caring for other human beings (and yourself)
#3
Describes himself as an Alpha Male. Tells you implausible stories about how tough he is/how many women he's "Banged". Yeah, me an you gonna fall out soon buddy
Joe Publique 1 year ago
Alpha and beta humans do not exist. It's simply an excuse for some to engage in and justify their toxic behaviors.
#4
Anyone who is rude to waitstaff.
Been on a few dates where potential partners treated the waiter/waitress like garbage.
Instant dislike and termination of the date.
#5
Boys will be boys
#7
“People don’t like me because I tell it like it is”
#8
"We're a family here" in a work setting. Mother f****r you just laid off "cousin" Bill.
#9
“Do your own research.” Quickly became the mantra of some of the most misinformed and ignorant people on the planet.
Rashmi Prakash Palai 1 year ago
I hope somebody teaches those people about burden of proof fallacy
#10
"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.
#12
"Ugh I hate cats"
I can't trust someone who says that. People who hate cats, really hate cats. To the point of abuse.
#13
“No offense, but…”, just before saying the most offensive thing you’ve heard in your life.
#14
"It's all a part of god's plan"
Joe Publique 1 year ago
“Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil? Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?” - Epicurus
#16
You should smile more 🙄
Rachel Reynolds 1 year ago
I find grinning widely while maintaining intense eye contact and tilting my head sideways generally makes them retract that statement.
#18
"i have no problem with the gays, just keep it away from me"
#19
“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.
Terry Tobias 1 year ago
I'm bipolar and hate this trend. Having a mental illness isn't fun, cute, quirky, or an excuse for bad behavior. You don't want to know what it's really like being bipolar.
#20
Women who say “I only have guy friends” which is usually followed by something like “women always bring drama / women are usually bitches / women can’t handle how real I am / women are always jealous of me.”
ETA: Yeah, it’s great having guy friends, but the problem is women who view other women as the enemy.
#21
"Why isn't there a white history month" I'm not even huge into politics, but this says a lot about someone to me
#22
If a person humiliates others for the sake of boosting his own ego, I immediately stop communicating with that person.
#23
"Sheeple" As soon as I hear it I tune out everything else they have to say
Lawrencium 1 year ago
I just assume they're trying to summon an ancient Eldritch species of sheep-people to usher in the Apocalypse. This ends up being more interesting than what they were actually trying to say, and generally more coherent as well.
Kathryn Baylis 1 year ago
Those who accuse others of being sheeple are generally sheeple themselves, only for a different, and usually evil, ideology.
Michael Largey 1 year ago
We started hearing this during Covid. Well, I'd rather be a live sheep than a dead jackass.
- 1 year ago (edited)
I talk about the time I was mugged by a sheep. True story.
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Emmy Dumont 1 year ago
And usually the people that call other this are the worst. Like dude take a look at yourself
Valek Fermiga 1 year ago
So, just to clarify, there a LOT of people who use the word " sheeple " ?? Hummmm, the world in safe hands with them....
Alicia M 1 year ago
All these maga kooks wearing t-shirts proclaiming themselves lions, and everyone else a sheep, is enough to make me roll my eyes hard enough to see my brain.
- 1 year ago
Real lions save their energy and sleep up to 20 hours a day.
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John George 1 year ago
"If you were truly an open-minded, free-spirited, intelligent individual, you would validate me NQA."
CG 1 year ago
A term combining the words "Sheep" and "People". Oftentimes, I've seen it used by people who are critical of those of differing ideologies (usually political or of vaccinations) to insult them as "mindless followers" unable to think for themselves. See this Urban Dictionary for more definitions/examples: https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Sheeple
Load More Replies... 
Fresh Start Apostolic Ministries 1 year ago
You tune it out because you are a sheeple. LOL If you don't understand...you are a sheeple. LOL Follow the masses to vaccines, masks, and other liberal ideals...sheeple. LOL Sheeple followed each other to the slaughter. Now you have sheeple dying without warning and cause. All vaccinated and followed the rest of the sheeple
#24
"oh, that's such typical [star sign] behaviour"
Brooklyn Roffman 1 year ago
I’m a cancer, we’re supposed to be sensitive (which I am) so it really hurts my feelings when people say that!
#27
I believe in the Bible as historical fact
#28
Woke.
Jeff Mcelfresh 1 year ago
This one gets so annoying to see. And it's always used by freaking bigots
#30
"If you can't handle me at my worst you don't deserve me at my best"
#31
“I just say what everyone else is thinking”. Describing someone as an “alpha” “sigma” “beta”, or calling women “females”
Sergio Bicerra 1 year ago
Depends on context: if I say Andrew Tate is an insecure b***h that tries to hide it behind his aLPhA mAlE image is exactly what everyone is thinking. Btw, is he's still in jail? Has he spread his alphaism among his fellow inmates?
#32
“Let’s go Brandon”
Rachel Reynolds 1 year ago
On a positive note, there was a new story about a young Autistic boy, named Brandon, who was nervous about his vacation in Texas. Until he saw all the "Let's go Brandon" signs which cheered him on. https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/8-year-old-boy-with-autism-puts-new-spin-on-lets-go-brandon-chants
#33
"Yes but you know there's worst" everytime you have an issue. Denying the pain of someone isn't helping them at all. Yes other have it worst, but at day D, hour H, I want to talk about my feeling and feel heard and seen. I want solutions or I want help or I want someone to b***h about the subject / person which / who is sensitive topic for me. Not thinking about others. That's not being selfish, that's destressing, and if you can't find a solution at least outing bad vibes.
#34
"My ex was a narcissist". I didn't hear this nearly as often until the last year or so. Now suddenly everyone has had an ex that was a narcissist. I work in the behavioral health field and this one drives me crazy.
Like no, just because you both wanted different things in life doesn't make him selfish enough to be labeled with an actual *personality disorder,* ***oh my god.*** Just say you weren't compatible and move on with your life.
No offense to those who actually did genuinely date a narcissist.
#36
"As a straight, white, cisgender person..."
Ma'am this a Wendy's.
#37
"oh im compelled to do this totally normal activity because my OCD/adhd/bipolar is kicking in!"
#38
people who will insert, “well if trump was still in office…” in every single conversation despite having nothing to do with politics
#39
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.
#40
People who lie/brag about their IQ. In my experience they seem like the dumbest people.
#41
"I'm a -insert star sign- so that's why I'm (being a c**t)"
Stephanie Did It 1 year ago
I'm a Cantaloupe and my ex was an Asparagus so clearly we were not compatible.
#42
I had this new coworker who I didn’t have to work with, but could have made both of our jobs easier. He didn’t even need to say anything. 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.
Joe Publique 1 year ago
Or anyone whose worldview distills every situation into 'them and us'.
#43
"All men are trash"
Chexmy Licks🇯🇵 1 year ago
if men said all women are trash they do be acting like they're abt to start a war on twitter. i dont like it when people say something bad about the opposite gender,with "all"
#46
"I hate drama." I have never heard someone say this, unsolicited, and not been exhausted with their shenanigans within a day.
kitten levels tokyo 1 year ago
If a high school student said it referring to one of their classes, that wouldn’t be too bad.
#47
"As an ENFP/ISTJ/JKDSAJKHSDF/other alphabet soup personality test baloney..."
#49
"snowflakes", "woke", or "unbeknownst".
Especially unbeknownst, I hate that word more than is reasonable to acknowledge.
#50
"Tough love" often seems to be used as an excuse to be a d**k. I get it when it's like an intervention, but most times I've personally heard it this was just people who wanted to start s**t.
What do you think ?
Bowtechie 1 year ago (edited)
Some of these are legit, but for the most part my opinion is that y'all just don't like people.
Boris Long-Johnson 1 year ago (edited)
Using the size of someone penis as an insult - especially common with women who really don’t like being asked if they’re being such a b-tch cause they’ve a c**t the size of a bucket? (How the tables have turned). Simple rule - don’t attack someone on something they can’t change!
Noname 1 year ago (edited)
I think that if you're a male and insult a woman first by calling her a b***h or c**t, you deserve to have your penis ridiculed.
Load More Replies...
censorshipsucks 1 year ago
A red flag they forgot is someone who writes in weebspeak, like "*blushes* *gets hot and bothered* *shuffles feet:*" my god it is cringeworthy.
DBear 1 year ago
Anyone who starts bragging about their self-defense skills. No, your hands are NOT registered as lethal weapons. Also anyone who brags about having street smarts. That instantly tells me you don't because if you did there would be no need to brag about it.
Gardener of Weeden 1 year ago
#1 rule - do what you need to , to get the flack away. (according to my teacher.)
Load More Replies...
Dizzie D 1 year ago
'I'm not a dog person, keep it away from me' Had this in a park the other day. A park, full of dogs. Hmmm okay.
Boreddd🇺🇦 1 year ago
Dogs are adorable, but I'm a little scared of them, which is why I sometimes say this. Though, after going with one of my friends on some dog walks, I'm getting more comfortable:)
Load More Replies...
JP Doyle 1 year ago
"Can't you just stop being anxious/depressed/panicked?" or "There's no reason for you to be depressed." Like anyone who suffers from anxiety and depression LIKES being that way. The only thing I've ever heard that's more ridiculous was a co-worker talking to a friend who said "Why don't they try not acting like they were black?"
Dak Janiels 1 year ago
I'd like to add "Do you want me to be honest...?" NO, no thank you. If you aren't already speaking honestly, I'm going to assume the next thing you say won't go well.
That Goth Demon (zey/zem) 1 year ago (edited)
But ikr is really useful, especially in text
Load More Replies... Lana Lana Banana 1 year ago
Widely unpopular opinion here: "Doggo" and the like. I cannot STAAAAAAND doggo, hooman, and all the rest of that. It drives me absolutely batshit insane.
Sky Render 1 year ago (edited)
Pretty much anything relating to "gender critical" is a quick ignore for me. It's like watching a toddler throw a temper tantrum because mommy didn't let them smoke a cigarette: prevention of harm through ignorance being met with hate and rage. I'm intersex, not whatever binary was forcibly written on my birth certificate, and my gender is not defined by that slip of paper either for that matter.
Lolly Gagger 1 year ago
People who use the phrases crotch goblins/spawn/brat/“Ugh, I just don’t like children”. You are allowed to not be drawn to spending lots of time with kids. You are allowed to not be a parent (in fact please don’t if you don’t want to), you are allowed to not enjoy being in close proximity to children making a lot of high pitched noise. What I don’t understand it why it had become socially acceptable to name call and ostracise a vulnerable minority group of humans. We don’t accept a nasty names for people if different skin colours and cultural backgrounds, we don’t accept down putting and isolation of people with disabilities, we don’t accept people saying “Ugh, I just don’t like old people”, so why should treating kids the same way be acceptable?
Missylyn Crowell 1 year ago
“You know what your problem is…”, I wasn’t aware I had a problem other than you. SMH
Barbara Baldwin 1 year ago
Keto. Gluten free. Paleo. I uninstalled Pinterest because it's ground zero for those words
Rosie 1 year ago
Why are we so judgy? Sure, some idiots open their mouths & prove how moronic they are. I for one am grateful. Good to know! Others simply say things that are not my style. They may be good people otherwise. The world would suck if we all thought/spoke the same way. I just don't understand the hate, especially over a word/phrase. I don't hate even the worst of these, just avoid them.
Noname 1 year ago
Yes! And normally I'd make an exception about cats, but I just saw the "Kitchen Nightmares" episode about Amy's Baking Company and she says "we have 3 sons who inhabit cat bodies" and "I speak feline- meow meow meow meow." That level is a red flag for me.
Load More Replies...
Demolition Lover (He/him) 1 year ago
"The intrusive thoughts won!" while referring to, idk, spontaneously dying their hair. Those are impulsive thoughts. Impulsive thoughts are throwing something, dying your hair, binge shopping. Intrusive thoughts are horrific, sickening images and ideas that stay in your head constantly because of mental illness. I have diagnosed OCD. Intrusive thoughts are about hurting others. Hurting yourself. And not just punching someone, like horrible sh*t you'd see in American psycho or happy tree friends. Anything taboo or morally wrong can be constantly on repeat in your mind, like r*pe, p*dophillia, ect. And you can't stop it. Because they are INTRUSIVE. You feel like the most horrible, evil, disgusting person ever. When mine were bad, I was having daily panic attacks, and su*cidal thoughts at age 10/11. And you can't just tell people whats going on, because 1. no one knows what intrusive thoughts or OCD actually is, and 2. You can't describe them without triggering or upsetting people.
Joseph Teopaco 1 year ago
Should pronouns people and you misgendered me people be in the list?
cameron crosby 1 year ago
Wow, I posted a comment that basically said I don't like these one-sided politically-based bored pandas and my comment got immediate blocked by I suppose a one-sided political censor. Nice work Bored Panda! Great job on keeping an open mind and a place for open discussion! Guess I need to not resist and be assimilated by the snow flakes...oh sorry, snowflakes don't like people that call them snowflakes.
Joroches 1 year ago
Honey, there's only one person acting like a snowflake here and it's you. I know it's hard but accepting that other people have a different opinion than you is something that comes with being a grownup.
Load More Replies...
Andrea Steinacher 1 year ago
"could of.." -"would of" ------ maaan, that is "could´ve" what is literally "could HAVE" ----- I don´t like people being that lazy with their own language
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 1 year ago
"It is what it is" I freaking hate when people say that. It "is what it is" because you are too lazy/scared/disinterested in actually doing something to change the situation for the better.
cameron crosby 1 year ago
Yuck..these political Bored Pandas are annoying. So much virtual signalling...so much my side's good...the other side's bad...blah, blah, blah, blah. Most of us are here to take a break from the political warfare and don't really want to hear from yet another close minded, bigoted author who is talking to the rest of those inhabiting their political bubble.
Bowtechie 1 year ago (edited)
Some of these are legit, but for the most part my opinion is that y'all just don't like people.
Boris Long-Johnson 1 year ago (edited)
Using the size of someone penis as an insult - especially common with women who really don’t like being asked if they’re being such a b-tch cause they’ve a c**t the size of a bucket? (How the tables have turned). Simple rule - don’t attack someone on something they can’t change!
Noname 1 year ago (edited)
I think that if you're a male and insult a woman first by calling her a b***h or c**t, you deserve to have your penis ridiculed.
Load More Replies... censorshipsucks 1 year ago
A red flag they forgot is someone who writes in weebspeak, like "*blushes* *gets hot and bothered* *shuffles feet:*" my god it is cringeworthy.
DBear 1 year ago
Anyone who starts bragging about their self-defense skills. No, your hands are NOT registered as lethal weapons. Also anyone who brags about having street smarts. That instantly tells me you don't because if you did there would be no need to brag about it.
Gardener of Weeden 1 year ago
#1 rule - do what you need to , to get the flack away. (according to my teacher.)
Load More Replies... Dizzie D 1 year ago
'I'm not a dog person, keep it away from me' Had this in a park the other day. A park, full of dogs. Hmmm okay.
Boreddd🇺🇦 1 year ago
Dogs are adorable, but I'm a little scared of them, which is why I sometimes say this. Though, after going with one of my friends on some dog walks, I'm getting more comfortable:)
Load More Replies... JP Doyle 1 year ago
"Can't you just stop being anxious/depressed/panicked?" or "There's no reason for you to be depressed." Like anyone who suffers from anxiety and depression LIKES being that way. The only thing I've ever heard that's more ridiculous was a co-worker talking to a friend who said "Why don't they try not acting like they were black?"
Dak Janiels 1 year ago
I'd like to add "Do you want me to be honest...?" NO, no thank you. If you aren't already speaking honestly, I'm going to assume the next thing you say won't go well.
That Goth Demon (zey/zem) 1 year ago (edited)
But ikr is really useful, especially in text
Load More Replies... Lana Lana Banana 1 year ago
Widely unpopular opinion here: "Doggo" and the like. I cannot STAAAAAAND doggo, hooman, and all the rest of that. It drives me absolutely batshit insane.
Sky Render 1 year ago (edited)
Pretty much anything relating to "gender critical" is a quick ignore for me. It's like watching a toddler throw a temper tantrum because mommy didn't let them smoke a cigarette: prevention of harm through ignorance being met with hate and rage. I'm intersex, not whatever binary was forcibly written on my birth certificate, and my gender is not defined by that slip of paper either for that matter.
Lolly Gagger 1 year ago
People who use the phrases crotch goblins/spawn/brat/“Ugh, I just don’t like children”. You are allowed to not be drawn to spending lots of time with kids. You are allowed to not be a parent (in fact please don’t if you don’t want to), you are allowed to not enjoy being in close proximity to children making a lot of high pitched noise. What I don’t understand it why it had become socially acceptable to name call and ostracise a vulnerable minority group of humans. We don’t accept a nasty names for people if different skin colours and cultural backgrounds, we don’t accept down putting and isolation of people with disabilities, we don’t accept people saying “Ugh, I just don’t like old people”, so why should treating kids the same way be acceptable?
Missylyn Crowell 1 year ago
“You know what your problem is…”, I wasn’t aware I had a problem other than you. SMH
Barbara Baldwin 1 year ago
Keto. Gluten free. Paleo. I uninstalled Pinterest because it's ground zero for those words
Rosie 1 year ago
Why are we so judgy? Sure, some idiots open their mouths & prove how moronic they are. I for one am grateful. Good to know! Others simply say things that are not my style. They may be good people otherwise. The world would suck if we all thought/spoke the same way. I just don't understand the hate, especially over a word/phrase. I don't hate even the worst of these, just avoid them.
Noname 1 year ago
Yes! And normally I'd make an exception about cats, but I just saw the "Kitchen Nightmares" episode about Amy's Baking Company and she says "we have 3 sons who inhabit cat bodies" and "I speak feline- meow meow meow meow." That level is a red flag for me.
Load More Replies... Demolition Lover (He/him) 1 year ago
"The intrusive thoughts won!" while referring to, idk, spontaneously dying their hair. Those are impulsive thoughts. Impulsive thoughts are throwing something, dying your hair, binge shopping. Intrusive thoughts are horrific, sickening images and ideas that stay in your head constantly because of mental illness. I have diagnosed OCD. Intrusive thoughts are about hurting others. Hurting yourself. And not just punching someone, like horrible sh*t you'd see in American psycho or happy tree friends. Anything taboo or morally wrong can be constantly on repeat in your mind, like r*pe, p*dophillia, ect. And you can't stop it. Because they are INTRUSIVE. You feel like the most horrible, evil, disgusting person ever. When mine were bad, I was having daily panic attacks, and su*cidal thoughts at age 10/11. And you can't just tell people whats going on, because 1. no one knows what intrusive thoughts or OCD actually is, and 2. You can't describe them without triggering or upsetting people.
Joseph Teopaco 1 year ago
Should pronouns people and you misgendered me people be in the list?
cameron crosby 1 year ago
Wow, I posted a comment that basically said I don't like these one-sided politically-based bored pandas and my comment got immediate blocked by I suppose a one-sided political censor. Nice work Bored Panda! Great job on keeping an open mind and a place for open discussion! Guess I need to not resist and be assimilated by the snow flakes...oh sorry, snowflakes don't like people that call them snowflakes.
Joroches 1 year ago
Honey, there's only one person acting like a snowflake here and it's you. I know it's hard but accepting that other people have a different opinion than you is something that comes with being a grownup.
Load More Replies... Andrea Steinacher 1 year ago
"could of.." -"would of" ------ maaan, that is "could´ve" what is literally "could HAVE" ----- I don´t like people being that lazy with their own language
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 1 year ago
"It is what it is" I freaking hate when people say that. It "is what it is" because you are too lazy/scared/disinterested in actually doing something to change the situation for the better.
cameron crosby 1 year ago
Yuck..these political Bored Pandas are annoying. So much virtual signalling...so much my side's good...the other side's bad...blah, blah, blah, blah. Most of us are here to take a break from the political warfare and don't really want to hear from yet another close minded, bigoted author who is talking to the rest of those inhabiting their political bubble.
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