mansplain

Mansplain is a portmanteau of man and explain, used to describe a man who explains something to a woman in a condescending or patronizing manner, often assuming she lacks knowledge or understanding. The term is typically applied when the explanation is delivered with unwarranted certainty, interrupting or talking over the listener, and is perceived as emphasizing the speaker’s authority rather than conveying information. While it most often appears in gendered contexts, it can arise in any situation where power dynamics and perceived expertise shape communication.

The concept gained prominence with Rebecca Solnit's 2008 essay Men Explain Things to Me, which popularized the term in feminist discourse. Since then, mansplaining has been used to critique everyday conversations, workplace interactions, and online discussions where men are perceived to dismiss or overshadow women’s knowledge. It is often associated with interruptions, oversimplification, misattribution of expertise, or presenting information in a manner that belittles the listener.

Critics of the term argue that it can overgeneralize behavior or imply male intent in all cases, and some note that patronizing communication is not exclusive to men. Nonetheless, the label is widely used as a social critique of gendered communication patterns and power imbalances, aiming to raise awareness of how supposedly helpful explanations can reinforce inequality and silence. In broader discourse, mansplaining has influenced discussions about workplace communication, mentorship dynamics, and online civility.