Do you ever pretend to be stupid?

ViveLaVie

I do it all the time. One of my friends figured this out and is outraged.

Thoughts?

Biggins

ViveLaVie wrote: »

I do it all the time. One of my friends figured this out and is outraged.

Thoughts?

I don't have any - I'm too stupid.

csi vegas

Yes, well I have the most innocent face so I do ham it up a bit when needed, especially when confronted by boss-like people and the such.

im invisible

Stupid is as stupid does

southcentralts

I pretend to be smart,it works on people who are stupid.

ViveLaVie

im invisible wrote: »

Stupid is as stupid does

The fool doth think he is wise but the wise man knows himself to be a fool.

WumBuster

Apparently George W Bush acted more stupid than he was to appease the American public. See below

Grayson

A female friend once told me she hated it when her friends dumbed themselves down so they could get guys to like them. I was shocked. But it did explain some of the comments I'd heard women come out with in the pub.

I play stupid in work sometimes. Well, not stupoid, but I definitely tone it down.

J_E

Sometimes act stupid because I'm worried people will see me as some sort of smartarse. Lately though I've figured out it's really them that's the problem and not me.

Doc

Why would anyone do this?

Eathrin

No, I'm pretty comfortable with my intelligence. I can interact with others without shoving this in others' faces but that doesn't mean I dumb myself down!

TheStook

If someone I don't know that well says something that I know isn't true confidently, I won't correct him/her or anything. I'm not sure if that counts as acting stupid

Chuck Stone

Doc wrote: »

Why would anyone do this?

It gives the pretender a psychological advantage. It puts the pretender's prey at ease that he is superior of mind.

If the pretender asks stupid questions the prey may adopt a parental/protective role which can be used by the pretender for all sorts of manipulative shenanigans.

Dangerous Man

WumBuster wrote: »

Apparently George W Bush acted more stupid than he was to appease the American public. See below

Interesting vid. I remember Michael Moore claiming something similar although I think his argument was more that by acting stupid, Bush could plausibly plead ignorance should he need to - e.g. in the case of a possible impeachment. Clinton was impeached for a hell of a lot less...

jill_valentine

Grayson wrote: »

A female friend once told me she hated it when her friends dumbed themselves down so they could get guys to like them. I was shocked. But it did explain some of the comments I'd heard women come out with in the pub.

This is a recognised thing, and a lot of women don't even realise they're doing it. It's been studied over and over, and it's been proven that women perceived to be dumb are considered superficially more attractive. Women respond in kind by dumbing themselves down in the presence of males they find attractive.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/9289125/Men-more-attracted-to-women-who-act-dumb.html

I see it happening, and I see it working, and I find it incredibly frustrating.

leggo

It's a decent tactic for the right (usually professional) situation. People gravitate towards others that they feel more intelligent around, so it's an easy trade off to play dumb around them and they'll eventually tell you everything they know. They don't see you as a threat, after all. You also see a person's true colours a lot quicker once they start to monologue around you.

Doc

Chuck Stone wrote: »

It gives the pretender a psychological advantage. It puts the pretender's prey at ease that he is superior of mind.

If the pretender asks stupid questions the prey may adopt a parental/protective role which can be used by the pretender for all sorts of manipulative shenanigans.

That might work for some people but I just don't like hanging out with stupid people so would avoid them.

In work I never wish to seem stupid and certainly don't want to actively try to be seen as stupid by anyone.

I really don't see the advantage of acting in anyway other then yourself among your friends.

If you are intelligent but act dumb among friends then in my opinion you're not just acting stupid you are stupid.

Tweedle Dumb

Chocolate. definitely chocolate cake is my favourite...

cursai

Who's acting..........

SusieBlue

I used to always pretend I didn't know what was going on in school so teachers would leave me alone. They'd tended to ignore the kids who wouldn't speak up and shower attention on the attention seekers so if I was asked a question I'd pretend I didn't know the answer just so they'd leave me alone.

I pretended I didn't know how to work the stock scanner in work so they'd get someone else to do it cause it bores me to tears. They wouldn't waste the time training me to do it anyway.

So if those classify as pretending to be stupid, then yes I do.

Pretending not to have a braincell in your body to impress someone is a completely different thing, I can spot it a mile, I know loads of girls that do it cause they think its funny, but really, they just look like tools cause everyone can see through it.

policarp

A lot of people say that I pretend to be stupid after having a good few drinks, but I know it's them being stupid, 'cause they can't understand me. . .

4zn76tysfajdxp

Pretend? No.

Tomk1

Doc wrote: »

Why would anyone do this?

Chuck Stone wrote: »

It gives the pretender a psychological advantage. It puts the pretender's prey at ease that he is superior of mind.

If the pretender asks stupid questions the prey may adopt a parental/protective role which can be used by the pretender for all sorts of manipulative shenanigans.

Agree always makes me think of acting Columbo

the KISS Method. "K.I.S.S" is an acronym for "Keep-It-Simple-Stupid". When the salesman employs this method they will behave as if they are too stupid to answer the customer’s questions. In other words, by acting stupid they won't answer any questions that they don't wish to answer.
....
The "Colombo Act' is a popular variation of the "KISS" method and is often used during price negotiations. This is when the salesmen will model themselves after the bumbling television character "Colombo". In other words, they will act incompetent while actually controlling the pace and direction of the conversation.

The salesman maintains control of the customer by acting as though they don’t possess the capacity to answer exotic questions like price and payment. Not to mention, the salesman's act of incompetence may give the customer a feeling of superiority which leads them to rely on a false sense of being in control.

www.hoopdi.com/guide/index.php/Car-Dealer-Secrets/The-KISS-Method.html
Well worth a read.

Like Bertie I'm just a simple common man & of course no smart people would fall for this, too smart you know

Reindeer

Occasionally I'll not only play stupid, but also draw the retro-racism card. If someone approaches me or accosts me in a manner I don't feel like bothering with, whether they are rude or aggressive or annoying, I will often just say, "No English".

Dangerous Man

I sometimes pretend to be a cunt. Other times I'm not pretending.

Gummy Panda

jill_valentine wrote: »

Grayson wrote: »

A female friend once told me she hated it when her friends dumbed themselves down so they could get guys to like them. I was shocked. But it did explain some of the comments I'd heard women come out with in the pub.

This is a recognised thing, and a lot of women don't even realise they're doing it. It's been studied over and over, and it's been proven that women perceived to be dumb are considered superficially more attractive. Women respond in kind by dumbing themselves down in the presence of males they find attractive.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/9289125/Men-more-attracted-to-women-who-act-dumb.html

I see it happening, and I see it working, and I find it incredibly frustrating.

But women never dumb themselves down around me...



foreveralone.jpg

Red Hand

Yep, I often do it. It's sometimes good to keep your cards close to your chest.

dave3004

I do it sometimes but not often.

Louis Theroux is excellent at it and it is basically his entire interview technique

Echoes675

I would do it when liaising with any kind of tech support but in such a way that my answers actually steer the conclusion my way such as warranty repairs/replacements etc.. Internet connectivity issues. If they are fobbing me off with some kind of rubbish answer/suggestion I'll let them know that I actually do know what I'm talking about and get my way that way. (I work in a company providing support for the IT infrastructure in the NHS/GP surgeries across the UK so am more proficient than most of the "tech guys" in call centers out there)

I know this is a bit manipulative but it's just easier cause invariably these guys are so glued to their script that if you let them know you know your shít they can't seem to handle it?

Kirby

It's hard to explain but I found myself pretending to stumble over words when growing up to fit in more.

My mother shoved alot of books in front of me as a child. Because of this, my vocabulary was far superior to pretty much everyone elses. But nobody likes a know-it-all so I would "um...." occasionally even when I knew exactly what word I was searching for and it was a fake pause.

I still do it to this day from force of habit.

TeddyTedson

Certainly not on boards in all and any ways.

Grayson

jill_valentine wrote: »

This is a recognised thing, and a lot of women don't even realise they're doing it. It's been studied over and over, and it's been proven that women perceived to be dumb are considered superficially more attractive. Women respond in kind by dumbing themselves down in the presence of males they find attractive.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/9289125/Men-more-attracted-to-women-who-act-dumb.html

I see it happening, and I see it working, and I find it incredibly frustrating.

That is weird. I've always been attracted to brains. The idea of sitting at home with a woman who's dumb is just horrible. But I guess the article makes sense. If you're looking for a one night stand, a dumb girl is going to be easier to chat up, so guys would subconsciounsly target them

nbar12

2+2=5

davet82

i usually pretend i'm stupid when i go shoplifting,

e.g 'sorry mr.security guard i forgot i put the tray of dutch gold underneath the shopping trolly' same charade applies for tracksuits under the buggy in champion sports

Plazaman

I sometimes pretend I'm a Fire Engine, does that count. It started..... oh sh1t gotta go, I have a call out.

Ne Na
Ne Na
Ne Na
Ne Na
Ne Na

deman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=go-FoUrn63Q

Apparently, this is quite accurate. Dumbed down Reagan vs the Reagan we didn't see.

petes

jill_valentine wrote: »

This is a recognised thing, and a lot of women don't even realise they're doing it. It's been studied over and over, and it's been proven that women perceived to be dumb are considered superficially more attractive. Women respond in kind by dumbing themselves down in the presence of males they find attractive.

If I hear something really stupid by a girl I kind of tend to think she is stupid. Okay for a roll in the hay though

sbsquarepants

I could be wrong, but i think acting stupid is very much a female thing. I have no idea why, but it seems to be the case.
Smart is sexy ladies, smart is sexy!

Micky Dolenz

I don't understand the question.

D1stant

I think this question is very confussing. My hed hurts. p.s. where is the 'return key'

maddragon

I love lamp.

Jaxxy

Kirby wrote: »

It's hard to explain but I found myself pretending to stumble over words when growing up to fit in more.

My mother shoved alot of books in front of me as a child. Because of this, my vocabulary was far superior to pretty much everyone elses. But nobody likes a know-it-all so I would "um...." occasionally even when I knew exactly what word I was searching for and it was a fake pause.

I still do it to this day from force of habit.

You don't do that with us, we can never get you to shut up now.

Colmustard

Guilty or not guilty, stupid your honour, I didn't know. They usually feel pity and say case dismissed as they shake their head.

Yeah pretending to be ignorant gets me out of so many infractions.

cowzerp

When pulled over ion the car by the guards, STUPIT TIME!

Colmustard

cowzerp wrote: »

When pulled over ion the car by the guards, STUPIT TIME!

Stupid subservient time, Oh Yes your guardship,,absolutely, I am really really sorry your worship.

JohnMarston

Colmustard wrote: »

Stupid subservient time, Oh Yes your guardship,,absolutely, I am really really sorry your worship.

How subtle :rolleyes:

Colmustard

JohnMarston wrote: »

How subtle :rolleyes:

What
I could say what's up pig, nothing better to be doing, could you just p1ss off and let me on my way.

I suppose that might work.

Jogathon

I have a good spoken vocabulary. I sometimes don't select the exact word that I want to use because people won't understand and they'll make me feel like Im showing off. But that's just with certain friends. With others I can use all my big words! And I'm in my 30's so should be past all this crap.

shopaholic01

cowzerp wrote: »

When pulled over ion the car by the guards, STUPIT TIME!

Exactly the time to act stupid, same if you've parked somewhere you shouldn't - looking confused and acting repentant usually works.

Otherwise, it's pathetic.

af_thefragile

I try to pretend to be smart...


Although I have noticed it a lot with girls in my college who act absolutely dumb. I don't think they even realise how bloody dumb and stupid they're acting. And you know they're pretending to be dumb and stupid because you can't get into the course I'm doing if you're dumb and furthermore these girls are also the ones who always get honours in exams so you know they're a lot more intelligent than they pretend to be. Its pretty annoying and fake.

mikemac1

"Me no speaky da inglis" I said to the TV license inspector

Well no I didn't but I plan to if he corners me someday