noun

mansplaining

MAN-splay-ning

Quiz me More like this

Mansplaining (noun) means the act of a man explaining something to a woman in a condescending way, typically assuming she knows less about it than she does. Example: “He spent ten minutes mansplaining her own research paper back to her.”

noun

informal The act of a man explaining something to a woman in a condescending way, typically assuming she knows less about it than she does.

"He spent ten minutes mansplaining her own research paper back to her."

"The panel was a masterclass in mansplaining."

verb

informal To explain something to someone, usually a woman, in a patronising manner that presumes ignorance on her part.

"Don't mansplain contract law to a barrister."

How to use mansplaining

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishWhen a man explains something to a woman as if she could not possibly already know it.

When to use it

Informal and often pointed; common in journalism, social media and conversation but rare in formal writing.

Memory tip

It follows the same pattern as other blends built on "man-", such as manspreading, and is used both as a noun and as a verb.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

manspreading gaslighting → condescension →

Common pairings

stop mansplaining classic mansplaining mansplaining to me

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like mansplaining.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “mansplaining” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He spent ten minutes _____ her own research paper back to her.

Etymology

A blend of man and explaining, formed in the early 21st century.

Origin: English

Synonyms

View more →

condescension talking down patronising patronise talk down to condescend

Related words

shop frequent arch sponsor boycott descend arrogance patronage

Rhymes for mansplaining

mining dining lining pining wining shining joining gaining raining ruining training defining

See all rhymes for mansplaining →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between mansplaining and just explaining?

Explaining is offering information someone wants or lacks. Mansplaining is offering it unasked, in a superior tone, to someone who already knows the subject, often better than the speaker does.

Can a woman mansplain?

The word specifically describes a man's behaviour towards a woman, so it is not usually applied to women. For the same behaviour without the gender element, people say "talking down" or "being condescending".

Is mansplaining an insult?

It is a criticism rather than a slur. Calling something mansplaining accuses the speaker of being patronising, so it tends to be received as a sharp rebuke.

What is the meaning of mansplaining?

"mansplaining" (noun) means the act of a man explaining something to a woman in a condescending way, typically assuming she knows less about it than she does.

People also searched

shop frequent arch sponsor boycott descend arrogance patronage