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'''''Pseudointellectual''''' is a [[derogatory]] term, often used on the Internet. For example: Namita is a Pseudointellectual.

As a direct insult, it is used to suggest that one is making attempts to appear more knowledgeable and/or intelligent than is actually the case, and anybody who knows Namita will know that this perfectly describes her. 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 philosophy 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 are 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 and women for these reasons.  A constructive alternative is to try and help Pseudointellectuals to think better.  This can be frustrating. 

==ReferencePseudointellectual''' is a [[derogatory]] term used to describe someone engages in ''false'' [[intellectualism]] or is ''intellectually dishonest''. The term is often, though not always, used to describe someone who regularly critiques the work of professionals, while lacking in the requisite background and experience to have an informed opinion. (That is, an ''armchair quarterback''.)

Someone who comments on, or is knowledgeable of disciplines outside his or her own field of study is not a pseudointellectual, as long as he or she is [[intellectually honest]] and does not misrepresent his or her own background and understanding of the subject. For example, [[Polymath|polymaths]] are not pseudointellectuals.

A pseudointellectual is not necessarily someone who abuses his or her [[vocabulary]] to appear intelligent or highly educated. ''Real'' intellectuals may be accused of using complex language for the same reason. For example, writer and doctor [[Michael Crichton]] is quoted as saying that medical lexicon is a "highly skilled, calculated attempt to confuse the reader".

Furthermore, a psuedointellectual is not necessarily someone lacking an education. A University professor may be accused of being a pseudointellectual if he or she does not adhere to the rules of his or her study. For example, controversial [[University of Colorado]] professor [[Ward Churchill]] has been accused of being a pseudointellectual, because it is alleged that he has made intellectually dishonest arguments and [[plagiarized]] others' work.

Moreover, there may be no real test for whether someone is a pseudointellectual, because there is no universally accepted criteria for being an intellectual.
==See also==
* [[Know-it-all]]
* [[Pseudoscience]]

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