If you’re a woman, chances are you’ve encountered the phenomenon known as mansplaining—perhaps while selecting feminine hygiene products or shopping for a new bra. Some men seem to relish the opportunity to explain things to women as if we need rescuing from our own thoughts and opinions. You’d think that in today’s world, we would have evolved past this behavior. Yet, just one day in the life of a modern woman can lead to either mocking the same old issues with newly coined terms or feeling an overwhelming urge to rebel against it all.
For those unfamiliar, mansplaining occurs when a man explains something to a woman in a patronizing manner, usually when he either lacks knowledge on the subject or has a far lesser understanding than the woman he’s addressing. As a physical therapist working in a hospital, I often found myself on the receiving end of this condescension from male colleagues who felt it necessary to explain the importance of getting patients up and walking—something that, by the way, is literally my expertise.
Mansplaining can happen in various contexts, such as at the butcher’s counter, while selecting snow tires, or even during a breastfeeding session, when a man felt compelled to share insights on the benefits of breastfeeding with me. Thank you, oh sage without experience.
The rise of gendered language to describe these everyday frustrations has led to terms like “hepeat” (when a woman’s idea is ignored, but a man presents it later as if it were his own) and “bropriate” (when a man takes credit for a woman’s idea). These words exist for a reason—they reflect real experiences that many women face. If we could just stop these behaviors, perhaps we wouldn’t need to label them.
Women are exhausted from being told to smile, from witnessing male colleagues being treated with more respect, and from enduring catcalling while simply trying to navigate their day. This isn’t merely a feminist outcry; it’s a plea for basic respect. We are not your property, and our intellect is as sharp as yours. It’s high time to stop making it so easy for us to invent ridiculous terms that encapsulate the frustrations of being a woman.
Words like “womansplained” or “shepeat” aren’t even part of our lexicon, while “manterrupting”—the act of a man frequently interrupting a woman—has made its way into common usage. Enough already.
Moreover, this issue extends beyond words. There are also physical behaviors that deserve unique names, such as “manspreading,” where men take up more space than necessary by sitting with their legs wide apart. This behavior often stems from a need to assert dominance rather than a genuine need for space.
Let’s be clear: not all men exhibit these behaviors, so let’s refrain from the “not all men” rebuttals. The men I choose to surround myself with understand that women are equal partners in society. I hope that for my daughter, growing up in a household with a supportive father and brothers, these old patterns of behavior will be less common. The world is changing, and I hope she’ll experience less mansplaining than previous generations. It’s time for societal attitudes toward women to finally step into the light.
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In summary, it’s essential for men to recognize the impact of their actions and words. By fostering a culture of respect and understanding, we can eliminate the need for terms like mansplaining and create a more inclusive environment for everyone.