Flatsplaining

A form of Digitalsplaining where the perpetrator dismisses any argument by comparing it to Flat Earth belief—a culturally accepted symbol of irrationality. The flatsplainer says “this is literally the Flat Earth of X” or “you sound like a Flat Earther,” regardless of whether the comparison is apt. The goal is to trigger an emotional association that bypasses rational engagement. By equating the target’s position with a universally ridiculed belief, the flatsplainer makes any further discussion seem absurd.

Example: “She proposed a novel interpretation of archaeological data; he replied ‘this is the Flat Earth of archaeology.’ Flatsplaining: using a rhetorical shortcut to avoid actual debate.”

Flatsplaining by Abzugal April 1, 2026

fansplaining 

When a fan tries to explain something to a pro athlete, coach, GM or entertainer about the pro's craft. Takeoff of mansplaining.

(fan) "If you open your batting stance, you'll see the ball better."
(pro athlete) "Quit fansplaining! I'm the pro athlete, not you!"

fansplaining by The Runs June 10, 2017

factsplaining

fact·splain | \ ˈfact-ˌsplān

\

factsplained; factsplaining

Definition of factsplain
transitive + intransitive

: the uninvited and condescending effort of a third party (usually, though not always, on social media platforms) to offer extraneous information (“context”) or further explanation on a given subject/topic, while invariably posing itself as objectively factual, despite its content and purpose invariably being the promotion or defense of a partisan (progressive, leftist) idea, premise, value, cause, figure, etc.

It is often characterized by cloaking subjective opinions and partisan perspectives amidst the excessive use of officious-sounding terms and declarations such as “Ruling” “Context” “Evidence” “Credible” “Finding” “Determination” “Conclusion” “Result”, etc. or may strive to confirm or deny information on the basis of mere nuance, minor technicalities, irrelevancies, or other specious rationale.

In both form and content, factsplaining attempts to discredit the original information, although rarely if ever actually doing so, and its presence therefore may best be understood as a strong indicator of the original content’s truth or accuracy.

Prominent factsplainers: Factcheck, Politifact, Snopes, Reuters, AP

See also: bias, propaganda, spin, gaslighting, censorship, partisanship

“I shared that post about Bernie Sanders owning 3 homes, but the factsplaining said it wasn’t true - his wife actually is actually a co-owner as well…”

factsplaining by Norm Al Cybias April 27, 2021

Fatsplaining 

When fat people explain why they are fat to fit people.

"Calorie deficits don't work. I read a study on Huffington Post about metabolism, you need to do your research, let me explain the science you, it's why I weigh 300 lbs and it has nothing to do with my lifestyle choices."
-Fatsplaining

Fatsplaining by Peaceful Idiot May 17, 2016

Fansplaining 

The act fans of a particular franchise (TV series, book series, sport, etc.) talking down to or about fans that they don't see as "legitimate" fans.

Karen is always fansplaining about how new and younger fans are ruining fandom.

Fansplaining by Fandom Raider September 24, 2019

Fansplaining 

A spiel given by a comic book/film franchise know it all/fan boy about something in the movie condescending over others who are understanding the plot at face value.

"You don't understand George, Jean Grey eventually becomes the most powerful X Men so that's why her eyes turn red."
"Stop fansplaining , Garry."

Fansplaining by CrankyBob June 6, 2018