verb, informal
(For a man) to feel a need to explain something basic in great detail to a woman, in a condescending manner, based purely on the expectation that she is unfamiliar with the subject matter because she is female.
Occasionally done as a well meaning, but ill aimed attempt to pick someone up.
(For a man) to feel a need to explain something basic in great detail to a woman, in a condescending manner, based purely on the expectation that she is unfamiliar with the subject matter because she is female.
Occasionally done as a well meaning, but ill aimed attempt to pick someone up.
This guy saw me changing my oil in my driveway. He came over and asked, "Do you need some help, there, sweetheart?" I said, "Thanks, but I've got it covered. I kind of like it, actually." He stayed to mansplain the entire process, step by step, AS I was doing it. Then he gave me his number and said to call him if I ever have any questions.
by Jassess September 20, 2017
(v.) 1. Random men giving unsolicited advice to women, even if the woman in question is an expert on the subject, because they feel entitled to tell everyone their way is better. When they force this unwanted, and most often unneeded, advice onto unsuspecting women in a way that demeans the woman's own intelligence, and is a peek into the man's misogynistic worldview.
Sarah was practicing her serve at a public tennis court to get back into shape for the season.
Random Man (begins mansplaining): I know exactly what is wrong with your serve sweetheart! Here! I'll show you!
Sarah's inner monologue: I've been playing tennis since I was four. I didn't come here to be mainsplained to, I came to improve myself.
Sarah walks away. The mansplainer follows unable to see that he is unwanted.
Random Man (begins mansplaining): I know exactly what is wrong with your serve sweetheart! Here! I'll show you!
Sarah's inner monologue: I've been playing tennis since I was four. I didn't come here to be mainsplained to, I came to improve myself.
Sarah walks away. The mansplainer follows unable to see that he is unwanted.
by This_is_a_real_story August 09, 2017
by Tenen January 06, 2022
the explanation of something by a man, to another man who they perceive as their inferior, in a manner regarded as condescending or patronizing.
by Fz9g3z September 10, 2019
To ask someone of the opposite sex to explain something to you thoroughly and as though you understand nothing relating to the subject. Typically used when someone believes their lack of understanding to be caused by a gender barrier.
Man: *Sees period cup*
Man: Can you mansplain/womansplain what this is to me?
Woman: It's a rubber cup people put up their vag in place of a tampon or pad during their period. It collects the blood, then you can dispose of the blood and clean the cup to reuse it.
Man: Can you mansplain/womansplain what this is to me?
Woman: It's a rubber cup people put up their vag in place of a tampon or pad during their period. It collects the blood, then you can dispose of the blood and clean the cup to reuse it.
by Iris Walton November 24, 2022
When a man responds to accusations of mansplaining with the claim that "mansplaining is anyone disagreeing with you."
by SerenaBlackCat February 13, 2017
Attempting to explain away making sexual passes on a young lady when you're a married professional in the comics industry, aka Brian Wood. Afterwards you continue to go on and act like you're a feminist and really respect women.
Mansplaining - Tess Fowler is correct about this: I did make a pass at her at SDCC Hyatt bar roughly 8 years ago. But when she declined, that was the conclusion of the matter for me. There was never a promise of quid pro quo, no exertion of power, no threats, and no revenge. This was at a time in my career when I had very little professional power or industry recognition. The pickup was a lame move, absolutely, and I’ll accept the heat for having done it, but that’s all it was: I liked her, I took a chance, and was shot down. I immediately regretted it, and I apologize to Ms. Fowler for the tackiness and embarrassment of it all.
I’ve kept quiet for these last couple weeks because this is a problematic thing to address without unintended blowback. While I believe she is as incorrect as she can be about what my intent and motivations were, I don’t want to encourage any negative opinion directed back at her.
I think the larger issues of abuse in the comics industry are genuine and I share everyone's concerns. As a father to a young daughter showing an interest in making her own comics, I do really care about this stuff. So I don’t want our difference of accounts to take attention away from that industry-wide discussion that needs to happen.
Brian Wood
11/15/2013
I’ve kept quiet for these last couple weeks because this is a problematic thing to address without unintended blowback. While I believe she is as incorrect as she can be about what my intent and motivations were, I don’t want to encourage any negative opinion directed back at her.
I think the larger issues of abuse in the comics industry are genuine and I share everyone's concerns. As a father to a young daughter showing an interest in making her own comics, I do really care about this stuff. So I don’t want our difference of accounts to take attention away from that industry-wide discussion that needs to happen.
Brian Wood
11/15/2013
by Zephyr Q November 16, 2013