expliquers

Expliquers (pronounced [eksplee‑kab]) is a French noun derived from the verb expliquer, meaning “to explain.” In the plural, it refers to individuals, groups, or texts whose primary function is to clarify, interpret, or elucidate complex subjects for a general audience. The concept of the explainer has been present in French educational and cultural contexts since at least the 19th century, when written explanations were organized into dictionaries, encyclopedias, and pedagogical manuals.

Historically, the role of the explainer was central to the diffusion of scientific knowledge during the Enlightenment. Scientific societies and the Bureau des Longitudes published explanatory works that were intended for laypersons, thereby expanding public access to astronomy, geology, and natural history. In the 20th century, media outlets such as Radiodiffusion Télévision Française and later France Inter adopted the terminology to describe journalists and presenters who specialized in demystifying political events, scientific breakthroughs, and cultural phenomena. Televised programs like “Le monde en explication” and radio series such as “Expliquons le monde” became popular formats for making technical subjects accessible to everyday listeners.

In contemporary France, the term is frequently associated with digital content producers—bloggers, YouTubers, and podcast hosts—who organize information into bite‑sized, explanatory formats. The explainer genre has expanded into science communication, health education, economics, and history. Their mandate usually includes summarizing primary sources, contextualizing facts, and addressing common misconceptions. The rise of data visualization and interactive media has further refined the work of explaineurs, allowing them to translate complex datasets into easy‑to‑understand graphics. As the boundaries between specialist knowledge and public discourse continue to blur, the role of the explainer remains pivotal in fostering informed citizenry and promoting lifelong learning.