What is something a scholar would say?

Are you trying to sound like a scholar? This is dangerous because someone always knows a bit about the topic and will "scholar" you back - to your complete embarrassment. Even worse a non-scholar will try to fake you out and you might believe him.

Example (Try to figure out the real expert):

You: I really enjoy "Flowers of the Forest"

Listener 1: Is that a pibroch?

Listener 2: Post impressionistic, eh?

Listener 3: I never understand haiku!

The way to do this is to ask something a scholar would ask. The listener will then go on flaunting his knowledge.You only have to toss in a sage head nod or two and an "I see."

Good openers of this nature are:

* What is your opinion rice farming in Asia? * Any news from Australia lately? * Always something new from cancer researchers. eh?