You're talking about logical possibilities -- yes it is logically possible that someone could be called smart when their best quality is actually tap dancing. A

You're talking about logical possibilities -- yes it is logically possible that someone could be called smart when their best quality is actually tap dancing. Author is talking about why people introduce you as the smart guy, and not the friendly guy or the guy who gets shit done. Because they are speaking a code, of sorts, in that they are attempting to portray you in a positive light but your intelligence is actually not a highly-valued trait. If, when asked "what did you think of that woman you saw last night?" your response is that she has a nice personality then yes, people will assume she is homely. If you were excited about her looks, your answer (it's assumed) would've been about how attractive she is. Maybe you meant to describe her personality irrespective of her looks, but that's not how people will interpret your message. Communicating is about talking to people in a way that they understand you. So you could sit there cross-armed and insistent that you are not insinuating anything against her looks, as there is no logical interpretation of your statement which requires that conclusion. But, then, you would probably be the person this post is most for.