What is mansplaining: 7 ways some conversations leave you feeling invisible, and why it should be called out

Mansplaining is a blend of man and explaining, a term used to describe a situation where a man explains something to a woman in a condescending, overconfident, or oversimplified way, often about something she already knows well (or better) (Image: Canva)

You’re mid-sentence, explaining your point with clarity, when suddenly someone jumps in, usually a man, to correct, clarify, or restate exactly what you just said, but louder, slower, and with more confidence than necessary. You’re not imagining it. You’ve been mansplained.

Mansplaining, as obvious, is a blend of man and explaining, a term used to describe a situation where a man explains something to a woman in a condescending, overconfident, or oversimplified way, often about something she already knows well (or better).

It’s not just about talking. It’s about power dynamics, assumptions, and the subtle way it undermines women’s voices and expertise. It’s not every man, and it’s not every explanation. But when it happens, it’s hard to miss, and even harder to ignore.

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7 ways mansplaining shows up, and why it needs to stop

• Repeating what you just said: A classic move: you share an idea, and moments later, a man repeats it almost word for word, but now it’s treated as genius. Not only does this dismiss your contribution, but it also shifts credit away from where it belongs.

• Explaining your own expertise to you: You maybe a doctor, engineer, or have years of lived experience, mansplaining often ignores your qualifications. Ever had your job explained to you by someone with zero experience in your field? Exactly.

• Speaking over or interrupting: It’s not just about what’s said, it’s about who gets heard. Constant interruptions derail your thoughts and signal that your words aren’t as important. It's a subtle way of silencing.

• Over-explaining the obvious: Sometimes, mansplaining takes the form of over-explaining basic facts, assuming you can’t possibly know them.

• Hijacking the conversation: You ask a question or make a comment, and suddenly the conversation is no longer about you or your point, it’s about them, their experience, or their opinion. You're left nodding while they take the wheel.

• Using a patronising tone: It’s not just what’s said, but how. The slow, overly careful voice. The slight smirk. The exaggerated patience. It’s not helpful, it’s insulting.

• Ignoring until a man says it: One of the most frustrating signs of mansplaining culture is that a woman’s suggestion gets ignored until a man says the same thing, and suddenly it’s a brilliant idea.

• Call it out politely but firmly: I was actually explaining that, or I’m familiar with it, thanks. Support others when you see it happen, and if you’re unsure you’re doing it, pause, listen, and check your assumptions. Awareness is the first step to respect.