10 English Phrases for Saying Someone is Smart/Stupid

Let’s learn some ways to call someone smart, and ways to call someone stupid:

5 Ways to Say Someone is Smart

1. He’s really sharp.
2. She’s brilliant.
3. He’s very bright.
4. She’s a genius.
5. He’s a smart cookie.

In addition to calling someone “a smart cookie,” we have several other idioms about being smart – including sharp as a tack and smart as a whip (very intelligent and perceptive), a walking encyclopedia (someone with a LOT of knowledge on many topics), a whiz kid (someone young who is intelligent), a quick study (someone who learns things fast), and street smart (someone who has intelligence in the ways of the world, especially in a city).

One negative idiom with smart is a smart alec or smart aleck – meaning someone who is intelligent, but also arrogant and likes to show off their knowledge in an annoying way. A smart aleck is often clever and sarcastic.

5 Ways to Say Someone is Stupid

1. He’s not the sharpest tool in the shed.
2. She’s a few cards short of a deck.
3. He’s a bit slow.
4. She’s a complete idiot.
5. He’s really dumb.

Be careful with these ways to call someone stupid, because they can be insulting/offensive!

Now you know how to call someone smart or stupid in English. To learn more practical English phrases, download my e-book on 500+ Real English Phrases to help you improve your speaking!

Everyday English Speaking Courses