What a man does when he assumes that most of the women he talks to need to hear his explanations. The problem is not the explanation itself but the underlying and often unconscious belief in inequality, the systematic assumption that women are not very intelligent, knowledgeable or competent. Mansplaining is always talking down, a form of condescension. It can be done with contempt and scorn or with benevolence and generosity, the way a father may explain something to a child. It can also be part of an attempt to impress a woman, like any other show of strength, competence, skill, money, cojones or bravery.
How can you tell that a man is mansplaining?
– It is most obvious when a man who knows little about something explains it to a woman who knows a lot about it, like when a layman attempts to explain how the brain works to a female neurosurgeon.
– When a man doesn’t attempt to find out how much a woman knows about something before explaining it to her.
– When a man disregards evidence of her competence to continue his explanation more than once.
– When the explanations are unsolicited, uncalled for or otherwise inappropriate.
– When he continually cuts her off to continue his explanation.
– When he explains her thoughts, feelings and behavior to her despite her objections.
When a man treats both men and women this way he is not a mansplainer per se, he is simply an entitled ass with an inflated ego who believes humankind stands to benefit from his knowledge.
How can you tell that a man is mansplaining?
– It is most obvious when a man who knows little about something explains it to a woman who knows a lot about it, like when a layman attempts to explain how the brain works to a female neurosurgeon.
– When a man doesn’t attempt to find out how much a woman knows about something before explaining it to her.
– When a man disregards evidence of her competence to continue his explanation more than once.
– When the explanations are unsolicited, uncalled for or otherwise inappropriate.
– When he continually cuts her off to continue his explanation.
– When he explains her thoughts, feelings and behavior to her despite her objections.
When a man treats both men and women this way he is not a mansplainer per se, he is simply an entitled ass with an inflated ego who believes humankind stands to benefit from his knowledge.
by lyeska October 19, 2014
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Mansplaining: "In the colder months it is best to keep the heat between 68 and 70 so the already overworked HVAC doesn't crap out anymore than it already does. In warmer months keep the cool air between 71 and 74 for similar reasons.
It's supposed to warm up to the 70s some this week but it will likely be best we just keep the heat at 68-70 all week so the cycling is at a minimum.
This serves two purposes: Keeping us all (relatively) comfortable and giving the HVAC less work so it runs a little smoother and lowers our electricity bill."
It's supposed to warm up to the 70s some this week but it will likely be best we just keep the heat at 68-70 all week so the cycling is at a minimum.
This serves two purposes: Keeping us all (relatively) comfortable and giving the HVAC less work so it runs a little smoother and lowers our electricity bill."
by turncoattellis October 22, 2018
Get the Mansplaining mug.Combination of Man and Explaining.
When a man explains to a woman in full detail something that is very easy to understand of that the woman knows about. It commonly is heard whenever a feminist is around and she doesn't like the way shes being talked to.
When a man explains to a woman in full detail something that is very easy to understand of that the woman knows about. It commonly is heard whenever a feminist is around and she doesn't like the way shes being talked to.
Man - You see, the way you work out the hypotenuse is by adding A squared and B squared, then you squareroot the answer
Woman - I have a degree in mathematics, I know how Pythagoras Theory works, stop mansplaining everything
Woman - I have a degree in mathematics, I know how Pythagoras Theory works, stop mansplaining everything
by NearVoid November 10, 2019
Get the Mansplaining mug.To explain something in an unnecessarily long winded way, so as to dominate the conversation, and to make statements that are not based on facts, assuming that people will believe and agree with him because he is male.
"The recession was caused by the government because it spent too much money and people should look after themselves and not expect society to look after its members or its community... ad nauseam.
...Therefore its all womens fault."
^mansplaining.
...Therefore its all womens fault."
^mansplaining.
by lifelimbo February 18, 2011
Get the Mansplain mug.When person A (someone of any sex or gender) attempts to explain something to person B in an area of person B's expertise. Often this happens in a arrogant and condescending way because person A has the assumption that he/she/they are more logical or smart than person B, even though person A has spent far less time contemplating the subject and doesn't know more about it than any other layperson.
Person B: Throughout a considerable portion of my life I've struggled with depression.
Person A: You should just think positive! Depression is simply the result of negative thinking.
Person B: It's not that simple. I know this isn't the solution not only through personal experience, but I also wrote my dissertation around this subject, as you are well aware. You should look up 'mansplaining' so you'll realize that this kind of behavior isn't helpful--it will just make people roll their eyes at you.
Person A: You should just think positive! Depression is simply the result of negative thinking.
Person B: It's not that simple. I know this isn't the solution not only through personal experience, but I also wrote my dissertation around this subject, as you are well aware. You should look up 'mansplaining' so you'll realize that this kind of behavior isn't helpful--it will just make people roll their eyes at you.
by catacombcat November 17, 2015
Get the mansplaining mug.Despite claims of superior strength in avoiding over-emotional reactions, when a man encounters even one iota of criticism of men on the internet, he must then mansplain why women suck by comparison or must be radical feminists.
Mansplain--to put women down in response to criticism.
Mansplain--to put women down in response to criticism.
Even though Mansplain only points out a specific aspect of what some men do but not in every context, explainerOrMansplainer and Wicker33 were so overcome by the inability to accept criticism and had to condescendingly mansplain how women must be either dumb; (ironically) unable to take criticism (derp!); or should be dismissed as radical.
by Point_Proven April 26, 2011
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