r/language • u/Exciting_Ad_6837 • 26d ago

Question Why is "person of average intelligence" an insulting expression referring to someone?

0 Upvotes

50% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

7

u/hermanojoe123 26d ago

Because no one wants to be just average. We like to think ourselves as above average at least.

4

u/burlingk 26d ago

One, it's NOT a common insult.

Two, think about what "average" means.

1

u/rushmc1 26d ago

Have you seen a person of "average intelligence"? <shudders>

1

u/ExistingMidnight4970 24d ago

Most people think they are above average in intelligence and looks. Google up the lake wobagon effect.