mansplain

An attempt by men/boys to help women/girls and provide information they believe that the women/girls need. Usually, the intent it to be helpful, not condescending; however, the effect is condescending. As a result, a great deal of controversy and anger exists; as with many -isms, it is the effect and not the intent that results in the definition. In addition, with many -isms, those guilty of mansplaining react with anger, derision, and ridicule rather than considering it a teachable moment.

Male runner at the start line of a trail race, observing a woman drinking from a water bottle: "You know, you should be careful the amount of water you drink, so that you don't suffer from hyponatremia. It's a very serious problem that can lead to death."

Female runner: "Um, thanks for the mansplain. I have a degree in exercise science, so if you'd like more information on that subject, I can help you out. "

by lynnsdaughter August 17, 2016

Mansplaining

Mansplaining is the act of a man explaining something he may not really know to a woman who does, and the assumption behind it that knowledge is somehow inherent in the male condition, paralleling a void of knowledge waiting to be filled in the female condition.

Mansplaining is just another form of sexism.

by EnoughBS March 11, 2017

Mansplaining

When a male identifying person spends way too much time explaining something that is simple, or that is uninteresting to anyone (usually female identifying); also when a male spends way too much time explaining something to a female, who knows more about the subject than the male, because of the deeply embedded assumption that men "know more" than women

(Friend): How was your date?

(Straight Cis Woman): Oh, it was ok. He spent about 40 minutes mansplaining menustration to me.

by theshpyder March 11, 2017

Mansplain

To explain (by a man) to a woman on some topic or subject in a condescending way.

He was mansplaining the surgical technique to his girlfriend.

by Ddoldorie November 17, 2016

Mansplain

(for a man) to explain something to a woman in the area of her own expertise.

Due to Rebecca Solnit, author of "Men Explain Things To Me."

"I'm quite familiar with turbine design requirements; please don't mansplain."

by NaturallySo March 11, 2017

Mansplain

When a man explains a subject to a woman when she is already knowledgeable in said subject but the man feels he needs to explain because she's a woman and doesn't really understand

I was at the hospital today when a man started mansplaining the nervous system to me. I have a doctorate in neuroscience.

by Jolanata May 25, 2017

Mansplain

A verbal tool, generally used by men, to speak over a woman, based on the assumption that he knows better than her. This assumption is generally because she is a woman. Note that the term is especially applicable when the man is wrong anyway.

Man: Listen, do you know the difference between a screw and a nail? Here, I can show you.
Woman: Dude, I own this hardware store. Please stop mansplaining to me.

by Ms. Activist May 4, 2017