mansplaining

Mansplaining is a portmanteau of man and explain, referring to a man explaining something to a woman in a condescending, often overly paternal manner, presuming the woman’s ignorance or misunderstanding even when she is knowledgeable or the topic is within her expertise. The term can also describe interruptions that dismiss the recipient's competence, or explanations given in a tone that presumes authority based on gender rather than merit.

Origin and usage: The term gained prominence after Rebecca Solnit's 2008 essay Men Explain Things to Me. Since then it has entered popular discourse and scholarly discussions about gender, power, and communication. It is used to describe a pattern of interactions in which men dominate conversations with explanations that can be disproportionately simplistic or dismissive.

Patterns and contexts: Common patterns include interrupting, speaking loudly or slowly, insisting on explaining something the other person already knows, or attributing knowledge to stereotypes about women. It can occur in workplaces, social interactions, or online commentary, and may be directed at women of any age or background. The label is often invoked when the explainer assumes expertise or authority based on gender rather than actual knowledge.

Criticism and nuance: Some critics argue the term can overgeneralize about men or overlook individual differences. Others emphasize that the underlying issue is power dynamics and condescension, not gender alone. The term is sometimes debated for its potential to shut down dialogue or stigmatize ordinary, well-intentioned explanations.

Impact and related concepts: Mansplaining can undermine confidence, reduce participation in discussions, and reinforce gender biases. Related concepts include patronizing behavior, condescension, and gendered communication patterns. Some scholars advocate focusing on the specific behaviors rather than using the gendered label.