'splain

or splain

[ spleyn ]

/ spleɪn /

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verb (used with or without object) Informal.

a shortened form of explain.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of 'splain

By shortening and alteration of explain

Words nearby 'splain

spitz, Spitzenburg, spiv, spivvy, splad, 'splain, splake, splanchnic, splanchnic nerve, splanchno-, splanchnopleure

Other definitions for 'splain (2 of 2)

-splain

a combining form extracted from mansplain and meaning “to explain or comment on something in a condescending, overconfident, and often inaccurate or oversimplified manner, from the perspective of the group one identifies with,” as in ladysplain; whitesplain:racism being whitesplained to a person of color.

How to use 'splain in a sentence

"I'll 'splain ever'thing as soon as we get to your rooms," promised Dorothy.
The Emerald City of Oz|L. Frank Baum
They isnt enough words in langwitch, says he, t splain things.
Every Man for Himself|Norman Duncan
And I drap in, major, ter 'splain ter you dat I'se gwine ter gently draw outen politics, yassah.
The Sins of the Father|Thomas Dixon
Yes, but I don't know that anybody kin 'splain your daughter allus being with Mr. Thomas, who ain't even divo'ced from his wife.
The Sport of the Gods|Paul Laurence Dunbar

Oh, Mr. Raynor, I do hope an' pray he see fit to give you a chanc't to 'splain 'way the diffe'nces!
J. Poindexter, Colored|Irvin Shrewsbury Cobb