Gmentutterlijk

Gmentutterlijk is a term used mainly in Dutch-language online discourse to describe a particular style of communication. As an adjective, it characterizes interactions that come across as overbearing, self-assured, and framed as purported guidance or instruction. In its nominal form, gementutterlijk refers to the behavior itself or to a person who regularly employs this manner of speaking.

Origin and usage of the term are informal and somewhat diffuse. The exact origins are unclear, but the expression appears in online discussions, blogs, and comment sections in the recent past. It is typically deployed pejoratively to critique unsolicited, overly corrective advice that is framed as a teaching moment or moralizing lecture.

In context, gementutterlijk is often discussed in relation to broader social dynamics such as mansplaining, lecturing, tone policing, and virtue signaling. It is typically associated with situations where someone speaks in a manner perceived as condescending or overprotective, especially toward others who are seen as capable of making their own decisions.

Reception of the term is mixed. Some users find it useful for describing a recognizable pattern that can derail constructive dialogue, while others argue that it can oversimplify interactions or unfairly gender discussions. Like many contemporary neologisms, its usage and connotations can vary between communities.

See also: mansplaining, tone policing, virtue signaling, lecturing.