Difference between revisions 41534801 and 41589834 on enwiki

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'''''Pseudointellectual''''' is a [[derogatory]] term, often used on the Internet. 

As a direct insult, it is used to suggest that one is making attempts to appear more knowledgable and/or intelligent than is actually the case. It is considered to be the ultimate insult to one who considers oneself to be a true [[intellectual]] as it accuses one of being a fake or [[Phony]]. Pseudo intellectuals use lofty words, [[phrase]]s and [[metaphor]]s without defining or understanding them.   What they say can often appear very profound and insightful to someone with little understanding of the topic in question, but to those educated in the field, it can be plainly seen to be nonsense.

Pseudointellectuals are known to falsely claim that they are keen readers of material such as [[The Economist]] Magazine. It is also characteristic of pseudo-intellectuals to claim little interest in pop-culture. Their knowledge of topics such as the philiosophy of [[Martin Heidegger]] may be much more [[superficial]] than they like to admit.

An actual pseudointellectual may be identified through his/her use of "advanced" vocabulary that is placed out of context with a definite disregard for connotation (an abuse of language which appears to be the result of the use of an online thesaurus). He or she may also attempt to discuss advanced concepts, but noticeably fail through fundamental ignorance.

Because of the pseudointellectual's awkward use of syntax or misrepresentation of ideas, the pseudointellectual becomes the object of scorn and the target of [[grammar nazi]]s and other internet [[snob]]s for stepping out of what is viewed as his or her correct place in the [[hierarchy]] of intelligence.  Despite this by no means all pseudointellectuals are unintelligent.  Some pseudointellectuals apply considerable intelligence and talent to making themselves look like what they are not.  Real intellectuals may regret that so much effort is put to being realistically false.  Real intellectuals may wish the pseudointellectual would apply  talent in a more constructive direction like getting an [[education]]. Real intellectuals get angry at these young men for these reasons.

==Reference==
* [http://www.psectual.org/ The Pseudo-intellectual Web Journal]
*[http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=pseudointellectual&r=f Urban Dictionary: pseudointellectual]
[[Category: Pejoratives]]