Ten words that will make you sound smart

DON'T you sometimes wish you could, like, sound smarter? Well remember some of these brainy-sounding words and you totes will.

And then I said to the guy 'I may be quixotic, but even I can see that your beleaguered vocabulary is a harbinger of how b

WHEN you're trying to make a good impression, nothing will betray you quicker than ... ummm ... sounding stupid.

Ums and ahhs, errant likes and the ignorant misuse of big words are signs of silliness that should be struck from your lexicon, stat.

And for every dud word you ban yourself from saying, how about replacing it with an awesome one?

After all, did you ever meet someone who dropped "superfluous" or "belligerent" into everyday conversation and think they were a dummy? Never.

Just for fun, we put the call out to you on Facebook to learn the words that make people sound, well, sagacious (y'know, smart).

Use them discerningly though; there's a fine line between cleverness and douchiness.

1. Euphemism noun

A mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing.

In a sentence: Mr Bates told the workers about his plans to downsize, which was a euphemism for axing jobs.

2. Cogent adjective

(Of an argument or case) clear, logical and convincing.

In a sentence: She made a cogent argument for why Liam would be the likely breakout solo artist among the One Direction lads.

3. Harbinger noun

A person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another.

In a sentence: Purple jacarandas are the harbingers of summer.

4. Beleaguered adjective

Under siege or in a very difficult situation.

In a sentence: Not even a new coach would help the beleaguered football team next season.

5. Quixotic adjective

Hopeful or romantic in a way that is extremely idealistic; unrealistic and impractical.

In a sentence: She enjoyed the Katherine Heigl movies because her thoughts on love were perhaps quixotic.

And then I said to the guy 'I may be quixotic, but even I can see that your beleaguered vocabulary is a harbinger of how badly we're matched'.

6. Prolific adjective

When talking about a plant, animal or person, it means producing much fruit or foliage or many offspring. Of an artist, author of composer, it means producing many works. In sports, it's a high-scoring athlete.

In a sentence: He was the most prolific batsman of his time.

7. Tantamount adjective

Equivalent in serious to; virtually the same as.

In a sentence: Speaking to his boss that way was tantamount to throwing rotten apples at the Queen.

8. Philistine noun

A person who is hostile or indifferent to culture and the arts.

In a sentence: The Premier's literary award was the first thing scrapped under the philistine government.

9. Reticent adjective

Not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily.

In a sentence: For a Big Brother contestant, the man was extremely reticent about his personal affairs.

10. Gambit noun

An act or remark that is calculated to gain advantage, especially at the outset of a situation.

In a sentence: His resignation was a tactical gambit.

Thanks to the world's most trusted dictionaries for help with the definitions.

Share your own favourite words in the comments below and continue the conversation on Twitter @danielstrudwick | @newscomauHQ