mansplain

American  

[man-spleyn] / ˈmænˌspleɪn /

verb (used with or without object)

1. (of a man) to explain something to a woman in a condescending, overconfident, and often inaccurate or oversimplified manner, typically to a woman already knowledgeable about the topic.

   He was mansplaining to her about female friendships!

2. to explain something to someone in such a way.

   I know some women who are guilty of mansplaining, and even some men who mansplain patriarchy as a historical force for good.

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noun

1. Also called mansplanation.  such an explanation given to someone.

Usage

What else does mansplain mean? To mansplain is for a man to explain something to a woman in a condescending manner, particularly when the woman is an expert in the subject.

Other Word Forms

• mansplainer noun

Etymology

Origin of mansplain

First recorded in 2005–10; man + 'splain

Example Sentences

If you encounter mansplaining — or other forms of demeaning communication — it’s important to check with yourself before you respond.

From Salon

“The one thing I learned doing this movie is don’t mansplain motherhood,” actor Scoot McNairy said onstage after Saturday’s world premiere of “Nightbitch” at the Toronto International Film Festival.

From Los Angeles Times

Professional golf player Georgia Ball said the encounter behind her viral "mansplaining" TikTok was "awkward".

From BBC

A female golf pro says the reaction to a viral "mansplaining" clip has been "crazy".

From BBC

Afterward, he turns to her and sheepishly asks, “Did I just mansplain?”

From Salon