How to Respond when Someone Calls You Smart

Co-authored by John Keegan and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: October 12, 2022

“You’re so smart” is one awesome compliment. Your genius has been recognized, but how do you respond without being too cocky? The best thing you can do is say “Thanks!” along with whatever comes to mind naturally. If you’re drawing a blank, no worries! We’ve compiled a list of ways you can respond to being called “smart” in any situation, so take a deep breath and accept the compliment because you really are great.

1

“Thank you! That’s sweet of you to say.”

Express gratitude with this polite response. If they’re calling you “smart,” they’re most likely praising you! A friendly, warm response is a great way to reply to a stranger or best friend. They’ve boosted your mood, so now it’s time to boost theirs. Emphasize how the compliment made you feel, and then make sure to thank them.^{[1]
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- “That’s so nice. Thank you!”
- “How kind of you! Thank you so much!”

2

“Thank you, that means a lot.”

Accept the compliment graciously with this response. Perhaps you’ve been thrown off guard by your boss, teacher, or parent calling you a genius. You don’t normally get this type of praise from them, and it means the world to you. Something you’ve done has certainly impressed them, so respond to their kind words by sharing how much you appreciate them.^{[2]
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- “That means a lot coming from you.”
- “I can’t tell you how much that means to me. Thank you.”
- “Thanks, you have no idea how much that means.”

3

“Thank you! So are you!”

Redirect the sweet comment back to them. You can never go wrong with a returning compliment if you don’t know what to say next! Whether it’s your friend, crush, or family member calling you “smart,” chances are they think you’re awesome. You can stay humble by thanking them and giving back a compliment. They’ve boosted your mood, so boost theirs in return.
- “Thanks! I could say the same about you!”
- “You’re one to talk!”
- “Next to you, I’d say you’re the smart one.”

4

“I put a lot of thought into this, so thanks for noticing.”

Share your work ethic with a leader in your life. If your boss, teacher, or parent acknowledges your hard work, own it! Maybe you’ve just finished a massive project that’s taken you months to complete. You’ve put a lot of work into whatever they’re complimenting, so take pride in that with a humble “thank you” and comment on your work ethic.^{[3]
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Harvard Business Review
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Go to source}
- “Thank you so much! I put a lot of thought into it.”
- “This has been a passion project, so thank you for saying that.”
- “Thank you. A lot of hard work went into this.”

5

“Thanks, but it all comes down to hard work.”

Take the attention off you with this response. Getting praise can sometimes be awkward, especially if you don’t think you deserve it. But, if someone’s calling you “smart,” you’ve earned that credit! Redirect the compliment to your work ethic or luck rather than your intelligence if you don’t know what else to say. This is a great way to say “thank you,” stay humble, and emphasize what else has helped you achieve your goals.^{[4]
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- “Thanks. I have a pretty good memory.”
- “Thank you! But I have all the hours of studying to thank.
- “Thanks, but I can’t take all the credit.”

6

“Thanks. I don’t always get praised for my intelligence.”

This witty comeback is great for backhanded compliments. Maybe a classmate is annoyed by your answer to a question, or your sibling rolls their eyes at your attempt to do something. Use this response if the context is along the lines of “Oh, that’s real smart.” If they’re using a sarcastic tone, keep your cool, thank them for the compliment anyway, and move on.^{[5]
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- “Thanks. Some people would say so.”
- “Thanks. I’m glad it’s being noticed.”

7

“Really? That’s too kind of you.”

Be a little coy with your crush using this response. That big brain of yours has caught your crush’s eye. If they shoot you a flirty compliment like, “Hey, you’re really smart” or “I think you’re the smartest person I know,” don’t be afraid to flirt back. Act a little shy, tucking your hair behind your ear or looking away with a smile, and try using this response.
- “For real? I should be saying that about you.”
- “Really? Thanks.”

8

“You don’t have to say that.”

Be humbly shy if your crush compliments you. Don’t be afraid to show off your blushing cheeks. They’ve just called you a genius, and that’s bound to make you glow! Play off their comment with a nervous laugh and bashful remark. They already think you’re smart, so show them you can be cute too.
- “I guess you could say that.”
- “You’re just saying that.”

9

“Haha! I try.”

Toss in some humor if your crush or best friend compliment you. Being called “smart” can leave you blushing, so distract them with a laugh and sarcastic comment. Maybe they’re praising your work ethic on a group project, or they’re poking you with a joke after you said something silly. Either way, have fun and give a reply that’ll have you both smiling.^{[6]
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- “Not smart enough.”
- “You’ve caught me on a good day.”
- “Shhh! Don’t tell anyone.”

10

“I think I misheard you. Can you repeat that?”

Playfully prove your point using this reply. Maybe your boyfriend or girlfriend just admitted you were right, or your sibling finally recognizes that you’re the smart one. This response is a great way to have a little fun and maybe even get them to repeat what they often deny.
- “I’m sorry, what did you say?”
- “Hmm? What was that?”

11

“I am. Aren’t I?”

Give this sassy reply when your best friend says you’re “smart.” Maybe they’re joking around sarcastically saying, “Oh, you’re so smart” or “How very smart of you.” Either way, toy back with them with a playful smirk and roll of your eyes. Be confident in your smarts and have a little fun.
- “You could say I’m a genius.”
- “Out of the two of us, I definitely am.”
- “I’m only the really smart one when I’m with you!”