Splainterpolatsioon

Splainterpolatsioon is a term that has emerged in informal discourse, particularly online, to describe a perceived tendency of people to over-explain or provide excessively detailed explanations for simple concepts. The word itself is a portmanteau, combining "explain" with "splinter," suggesting that the explanation breaks down into tiny, unnecessary pieces. It often carries a connotation of condescension, implying that the explainer believes the recipient is incapable of understanding even basic ideas without exhaustive, step-by-step guidance.

The phenomenon of splainterpolatsioon is often observed in online forums, social media comments, and even in personal interactions. It can arise from various motivations, including a genuine desire to be helpful, a need to assert intellectual superiority, or a lack of awareness regarding the audience's existing knowledge. While sometimes well-intentioned, splainterpolatsioon can be counterproductive, leading to frustration, disengagement, and a sense of being patronized. Critics argue that effective communication involves tailoring explanations to the listener's level of understanding, rather than defaulting to an overly simplistic approach. The term highlights the difference between providing necessary clarification and overwhelming someone with gratuitous detail.