Is there a name for people who read a few facts on a subject, then go about boasting as if they're an expert?

Answer 1

a Narcissist.
They want to be authority figures and, short of that, they want to be associated with authority figures. In their hearts, they know they can't think well, have no judgment about what matters, are not connected with the world they inhabit, so they cling fanatically to the opinions of people they regard as authority figures -- such as their parents, teachers, doctors, ministers. Where relevant, this may include scientists or professors or artists, but narcissists stick to people they know personally, since they aren't engaged enough with the world to get their authoritative opinions from TV, movies, books or dead geniuses/ saints/heroes. If they get in trouble over some or another opinion they've put forth, they'll blame the source -- "It was okay with Dr. Somebody," "My father taught me that," etc.

Answer 2

I'm pretty sure there isn't.

"Know-it-all" is kinda close -- someone who acts as though they know all about everything. If the person does this in a lot of areas, then 'know-it-all' would apply, I guess.

Dabbler isn't the same at all. That's usually said by people who believe themselves to participate a bit, rather than someone who claims that dabbling gives them expertise.

Perhaps there's a German word for this, or Yiddish. Those languages (or so this uni-lingual understands) tend to have a lot of specific words for very fine shades of personality traits and types.

Of course 'arrogant' always works.

;-)

Answer 3

Dabblers

Answer 4

Yeah - they're called "talking heads" on CNN and Fox.

Answer 5

funny

Answer 6

A "knower", perhaps?

Answer 7

dumbasses?

Answer 8

know all know nothing

Answer 9

"Liberals"

Answer 10

"Assholes"