35 Times Men Ended Up Regretting Trying To Mansplain Something To A Woman
Women explain how they sassily dealt with an annoying mansplainer.
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Women encounter too many incidents of men stepping in and attempting to explain something they already know, to let it pass without comment any longer. That’s why female Redditors from all corners of the globe have been gathering online to share their own experiences dealing with “mansplainers”. These women broke down how they savagely shutdown the offending specimen offering his unsolicited advice on various subjects with sass and verve. In appreciation of their efforts, we’ve rounded up a few of the most delightfully brutal clap-backs, in the gallery below.
Image source: Girlwithatreetat, Freepik (not the actual photo)
I had an ex tell me that women always know immediately when they are pregnant. I tried to explain it is not that simple because women (like myself) can have irregular periods and not know for sure if they miss one or two periods. But no, he told me all women know ASAP. So therefore there is no reason for abortions (not his exact words but basically that was the point he was trying to make).
Image source: MistletoeMinx, bokodi/Freepik (not the actual photo)
What city I lived in. I lived in a major metro so people refer to various areas by their neighborhood name like normal. He insisted I did not live in the city. I did.
Image source: SueBeee, Freepik (not the actual photo)
Someone mansplained my area of expertise, and then posted a link to a paper to prove his point.
I wrote the paper.
*chef kiss*.
Image source: CerebellumPirate, shurkin_son/Freepik (not the actual photo)
Pregnancy. Prolifer dude explained to me that a healthy pregnancy places no physical burden on and poses no risks to the pregnant person.
Image source: azorianmilk, EyeEm/Freepik (not the actual photo)
What a movie prop is because he's "in the industry". Dude worked at blockbuster. I was (still am) a union theatre tech with a theatre design degree. But thanks?
Image source: beer_hearts, DC Studio/Freepik (not the actual photo)
I had an ex mansplain how mortgages work which doesn't sound too weird except that I was a mortgage banker and he was essentially financially illiterate.
Image source: Lyassa, Max4e/Freepik (not the actual photo)
My period is because I’m unhealthy and healthy women only have a dot of blood that’s why it’s called a period…..
Image source: MellyMJ72, garetsvisual/Freepik (not the actual photo)
That it was worse for him to have had a catheter than when I did.
Because his went into his urethra and mine went into my V, according to him.
He is not the only man I've been with who thinks [like this].
Image source: Icy-Elk3698, syda_productions/Freepik (not the actual photo)
One time, I went with my brother to buy a new pair of composite toe boots for work. I was trying on two different pairs of boots when a guy who worked there came up and asked if my brother needed assistance. My brother redirected the guy to me since I was the actual customer. The guy looked at me and told me that those boots were too big for me without actually having seen my feet. I explained that they are the correct size and that I go up a half size so that I have the option of adding an additional layer of thick wool socks. The guy then proceeded to tell me that I shouldn't wear wool socks because cheap cotton ones from Walmart work just fine. I patiently explained that wool socks are, in fact, more durable, antimicrobial, and still insulate when wet.
He then told me that I didn't need anything heavy duty for working in the garden and definitely didn't need composite toe boots. I was so livid at that point but I remained calm and explained that my job involves working outside and surveying steep terrain in awful weather conditions. So, I need the heavy duty boots and wool socks. The guy still tried to tell me my boot size was wrong. I then turned to my brother and said that we should leave and that I would not be spending money at that establishment. His mansplaining lost him a $300 sale.
Image source: chicagotodetroit, Freepik (not the actual photo)
How to wash blood out of clothing.
Sir, I have been washing blood out of clothing since I was 11 years old. GRRRRR…..
Image source: anon, Freepik (not the actual photo)
My absolute favorite (in the worst way) was a know-it-all who was sure that the Ivy League University I went to did not offer my degree.
I told him the subject of my MFA and he expressed his doubts that it existed in the curriculum of my university.
I assured him that as someone who Holds That Degree from That University I was certain that it does indeed exist.
Tf?
A few weeks later he cheerfully let me know that he had researched it and confirmed that -- sure enough, my degree really is offered by that university!
It was as if he was proudly breaking good news of this discovery to me.
Image source: whatasmallbird, Freepik (not the actual photo)
I was a wildlife biologist for a logging company. Hired because I can identify over 300 species of birds via sight and sound. One staff member described a fox sparrow to me, let him know what he saw. Another man told me how that’s not possible and it was some other type of sparrow. I asked how he knew and if he had birding experience, no he worked with wolves and no birds. He just didn’t like that I knew birds and he didn’t lmao.
Image source: didneywerl, freepik (not the actual photo)
My father in law was trying to explain evolution to me. I have a degree in archaeology with specialization in early hominid evolution. When I reminded him of this, he said, “Oh I thought you studied dinosaurs.”
Image source: Rainbow-Mama, iryna17771/Freepik (not the actual photo)
I was working on a cross stitch project on an overnight shift work to fill the time and he told me I was doing it wrong. I asked if he did this craft. No, no he did not. He didn’t do any crafts and had never in fact ever cross stitched or even held a needle. He just thought I was doing it wrong.
Image source: CyanocittaAtSea, Freepik (not the actual photo)
My own height. I’m 5’6” (~168cm). Supposedly his shoulder was 5’4”, and I came up to his shoulder; therefore I could not possibly be taller than 5’4”.
Image source: RockabillyBelle, Freepik (not the actual photo)
When my husband and I first started dating (way back in high school) I mentioned wanting to take a hot bath because of my cramps. He told me I should be taking a cold bath instead because heat is bad for cramps.
I told him I’d see him after my hot bath.
Image source: omnombooks, Freepik (not the actual photo)
I used to occasionally write for a news satire site. I shared a piece *I* wrote on Facebook with a quote. A man I know commented explaining to me that the piece was satire and that I had missed the joke, telling me what the author's true intention was.
Image source: ArmadilloNext9714, Freepik (not the actual photo)
We were both engineers. We went to a dinner where the service was ok. I was mentally calculating a 15 and a 20% tip in my head because it wasn’t horrible service, but I didn’t want to leave 20%. I guess he noticed I was taking a little longer than he thought appropriate and tried to mansplain how to calculate a 20% tip.
I called him out on it by saying “are you seriously manslpaining math to me?!?!” The whole table found it hilarious. He laughed, but you could tell he wasn’t happy. Our lead was doubled over laughing though.
Image source: Academic-Drop9366, zinkevych/Freepik (not the actual photo)
A woman's ovulation. He didn't get a single thing right.
Image source: CatmoCatmo, Wavebreak Media/Freepik (not the actual photo)
My brother in law told me all about dogs and their behaviors. Complete with why they do what they do, how it relates to their wild ancestors, and how to interpret their body language. When I tried to tell him some of his “facts” were incorrect, he went on to talk over me and explain why *I* was wrong.
I’ve been a veterinary technician for 24 years. He knows this. But please, go on. Tell me *ALL* about dogs and why they do what they do.
Image source: iceariina, freepic.diller/Freepik (not the actual photo)
I was working as an art instructor. He told me that "Real Artists" mix their own white paint by combining all the colors on their palette. I said "Oh really, I'd never heard that before." His assertion was false. That gets you brown/black. But I didn't correct him, because I knew one day, someone else would, and he'd think back to what he told me, and think "Man she must've thought I was an idiot," cuz yes, yes I did, and still do.
Image source: LiveOnFive, Freepik (not the actual photo)
My husband told me I was wrong about where my hometown—where he had only been once—was located on a map.
Image source: YFMAS, Freepik (not the actual photo)
I had a guy I was planning a date with tell me I wanted to have at least one kid.
Note in my profile I was clear that I was firmly child free.
Second I have had complications due to PCOS and am all but certainly sterile.
There was no date. Conveniently the next week a different man slipped into my DMs and we've been together for three years and share three cats.
Image source: QueenAmalasunta, pvproductions/Freepik (not the actual photo)
It was my partner, but he sent me some stats about toxic shock syndrome and reminded me to change my tampon.
I was like dude, I have been getting my period for 32 years.
Image source: anon, EyeEm/Freepik (not the actual photo)
Why abortion is wrong (he thought women get their first period at the average age of 20).
Image source: heckfyre, azerbaijan_stockers/Freepik (not the actual photo)
My favorite is always, “that’s not what mansplaining is. Mansplaining is this: …”.
Image source: Gwenyver, Freepik (not the actual photo)
Just the other day actually a man mansplained to me what women want in media representation. And the best part was that he couldn’t have possibly been more wrong or sexist about it. But he sure was confident.
Seriously what is wrong with these men?
Image source: Helpful_Hour1984, wayhomestudio/Freepik (not the actual photo)
How menstruation works.
P.S. I was in my 30s and he wasn't a medical professional.
Image source: anon, cookie_studio/Freepik (not the actual photo)
When my youngest was 9 years old, the guy I was talking to told me that HIS therapist told him that MY anxiety/depression was caused by Post Partum Hormones.
Image source: HauntedOryx, Freepik (not the actual photo)
How to do the job I am literally getting paid to teach them how to do, on their very first day of training. This has happened more than once.
Image source: glycophosphate, ASDFpik/Freepik (not the actual photo)
I was the lone woman in a doctoral seminar on I don't even remember what it was now, but some pimply-faced 21 year-old kid tried to mansplain to me about the shortcomings of 2nd wave feminism. *Junior, I* ***was there.***.
Image source: Crazyhowthatworks304, Freepik (not the actual photo)
I work in IT, basically the master of all for the company I work for. I was trying to fix a computer tied to our AV entertainment system one day. This guy, who is one of our facilities folks, is notorious for trying to do IT related things because "you don't need a degree in computer science for this" (he told this to my best friend who is one of the other facilities people), started telling me that maybe I should try to see if it's X and not Z. He launches into this whole spiel about changing to use gold tipped HDMI cables over the silver tipped cables. That wasn't even the problem. So I started at him in the eye sockets of his soul, unplug one of the gold tipped HDMI cables from the system just to show him and plugged it back in. Surprise, that wasn't the problem.
I've learned to always stare at him without blinking if he mansplains. I've really perfected my dry humor and sarcasm, so it makes him extra uncomfortable.
Image source: unrepentantgeraldine, vladimircech/Freepik (not the actual photo)
I once had a man, who was not Australian, explain to me, an Australian, all about koalas. So I was mansplained AND koalasplained to.
#1
Image source: Girlwithatreetat, Freepik (not the actual photo)
I had an ex tell me that women always know immediately when they are pregnant. I tried to explain it is not that simple because women (like myself) can have irregular periods and not know for sure if they miss one or two periods. But no, he told me all women know ASAP. So therefore there is no reason for abortions (not his exact words but basically that was the point he was trying to make).
#2
#3
Image source: SueBeee, Freepik (not the actual photo)
Someone mansplained my area of expertise, and then posted a link to a paper to prove his point.
I wrote the paper.
*chef kiss*.
#4
Image source: CerebellumPirate, shurkin_son/Freepik (not the actual photo)
Pregnancy. Prolifer dude explained to me that a healthy pregnancy places no physical burden on and poses no risks to the pregnant person.
#5
Image source: azorianmilk, EyeEm/Freepik (not the actual photo)
What a movie prop is because he's "in the industry". Dude worked at blockbuster. I was (still am) a union theatre tech with a theatre design degree. But thanks?
#6
Image source: beer_hearts, DC Studio/Freepik (not the actual photo)
I had an ex mansplain how mortgages work which doesn't sound too weird except that I was a mortgage banker and he was essentially financially illiterate.
#7
Image source: Lyassa, Max4e/Freepik (not the actual photo)
My period is because I’m unhealthy and healthy women only have a dot of blood that’s why it’s called a period…..
#8
Image source: MellyMJ72, garetsvisual/Freepik (not the actual photo)
That it was worse for him to have had a catheter than when I did.
Because his went into his urethra and mine went into my V, according to him.
He is not the only man I've been with who thinks [like this].
#9
Image source: Icy-Elk3698, syda_productions/Freepik (not the actual photo)
One time, I went with my brother to buy a new pair of composite toe boots for work. I was trying on two different pairs of boots when a guy who worked there came up and asked if my brother needed assistance. My brother redirected the guy to me since I was the actual customer. The guy looked at me and told me that those boots were too big for me without actually having seen my feet. I explained that they are the correct size and that I go up a half size so that I have the option of adding an additional layer of thick wool socks. The guy then proceeded to tell me that I shouldn't wear wool socks because cheap cotton ones from Walmart work just fine. I patiently explained that wool socks are, in fact, more durable, antimicrobial, and still insulate when wet.
He then told me that I didn't need anything heavy duty for working in the garden and definitely didn't need composite toe boots. I was so livid at that point but I remained calm and explained that my job involves working outside and surveying steep terrain in awful weather conditions. So, I need the heavy duty boots and wool socks. The guy still tried to tell me my boot size was wrong. I then turned to my brother and said that we should leave and that I would not be spending money at that establishment. His mansplaining lost him a $300 sale.
#10
Image source: chicagotodetroit, Freepik (not the actual photo)
How to wash blood out of clothing.
Sir, I have been washing blood out of clothing since I was 11 years old. GRRRRR…..
#11
Image source: anon, Freepik (not the actual photo)
My absolute favorite (in the worst way) was a know-it-all who was sure that the Ivy League University I went to did not offer my degree.
I told him the subject of my MFA and he expressed his doubts that it existed in the curriculum of my university.
I assured him that as someone who Holds That Degree from That University I was certain that it does indeed exist.
Tf?
A few weeks later he cheerfully let me know that he had researched it and confirmed that -- sure enough, my degree really is offered by that university!
It was as if he was proudly breaking good news of this discovery to me.
#12
Image source: whatasmallbird, Freepik (not the actual photo)
I was a wildlife biologist for a logging company. Hired because I can identify over 300 species of birds via sight and sound. One staff member described a fox sparrow to me, let him know what he saw. Another man told me how that’s not possible and it was some other type of sparrow. I asked how he knew and if he had birding experience, no he worked with wolves and no birds. He just didn’t like that I knew birds and he didn’t lmao.
#13
Image source: didneywerl, freepik (not the actual photo)
My father in law was trying to explain evolution to me. I have a degree in archaeology with specialization in early hominid evolution. When I reminded him of this, he said, “Oh I thought you studied dinosaurs.”
#14
Image source: Rainbow-Mama, iryna17771/Freepik (not the actual photo)
I was working on a cross stitch project on an overnight shift work to fill the time and he told me I was doing it wrong. I asked if he did this craft. No, no he did not. He didn’t do any crafts and had never in fact ever cross stitched or even held a needle. He just thought I was doing it wrong.
#15
Image source: CyanocittaAtSea, Freepik (not the actual photo)
My own height. I’m 5’6” (~168cm). Supposedly his shoulder was 5’4”, and I came up to his shoulder; therefore I could not possibly be taller than 5’4”.
#16
Image source: RockabillyBelle, Freepik (not the actual photo)
When my husband and I first started dating (way back in high school) I mentioned wanting to take a hot bath because of my cramps. He told me I should be taking a cold bath instead because heat is bad for cramps.
I told him I’d see him after my hot bath.
#17
Image source: omnombooks, Freepik (not the actual photo)
I used to occasionally write for a news satire site. I shared a piece *I* wrote on Facebook with a quote. A man I know commented explaining to me that the piece was satire and that I had missed the joke, telling me what the author's true intention was.
#18
Image source: ArmadilloNext9714, Freepik (not the actual photo)
We were both engineers. We went to a dinner where the service was ok. I was mentally calculating a 15 and a 20% tip in my head because it wasn’t horrible service, but I didn’t want to leave 20%. I guess he noticed I was taking a little longer than he thought appropriate and tried to mansplain how to calculate a 20% tip.
I called him out on it by saying “are you seriously manslpaining math to me?!?!” The whole table found it hilarious. He laughed, but you could tell he wasn’t happy. Our lead was doubled over laughing though.
#19
Image source: Academic-Drop9366, zinkevych/Freepik (not the actual photo)
A woman's ovulation. He didn't get a single thing right.
#20
My dart team wanted to get shirts with the team name on it. I said I was concerned for my personal safety walking in/out of bars with that written on my shirt due to the double entrendre. I then had 3 guys explaining to me how it's a "legitimate dart question" and I'm overreacting.... One, Do not recite the deep magic to me, boy. I was already playing at home and running match results at tournaments in 1980 - when I was FIVE. Two, the team name was "Is It In?" *slow blink*. Image source: geminiloveca#21
Image source: CatmoCatmo, Wavebreak Media/Freepik (not the actual photo)
My brother in law told me all about dogs and their behaviors. Complete with why they do what they do, how it relates to their wild ancestors, and how to interpret their body language. When I tried to tell him some of his “facts” were incorrect, he went on to talk over me and explain why *I* was wrong.
I’ve been a veterinary technician for 24 years. He knows this. But please, go on. Tell me *ALL* about dogs and why they do what they do.
#22
Image source: iceariina, freepic.diller/Freepik (not the actual photo)
I was working as an art instructor. He told me that "Real Artists" mix their own white paint by combining all the colors on their palette. I said "Oh really, I'd never heard that before." His assertion was false. That gets you brown/black. But I didn't correct him, because I knew one day, someone else would, and he'd think back to what he told me, and think "Man she must've thought I was an idiot," cuz yes, yes I did, and still do.
#23
Image source: LiveOnFive, Freepik (not the actual photo)
My husband told me I was wrong about where my hometown—where he had only been once—was located on a map.
#24
Image source: YFMAS, Freepik (not the actual photo)
I had a guy I was planning a date with tell me I wanted to have at least one kid.
Note in my profile I was clear that I was firmly child free.
Second I have had complications due to PCOS and am all but certainly sterile.
There was no date. Conveniently the next week a different man slipped into my DMs and we've been together for three years and share three cats.
#25
Image source: QueenAmalasunta, pvproductions/Freepik (not the actual photo)
It was my partner, but he sent me some stats about toxic shock syndrome and reminded me to change my tampon.
I was like dude, I have been getting my period for 32 years.
#26
Image source: anon, EyeEm/Freepik (not the actual photo)
Why abortion is wrong (he thought women get their first period at the average age of 20).
#27
Image source: heckfyre, azerbaijan_stockers/Freepik (not the actual photo)
My favorite is always, “that’s not what mansplaining is. Mansplaining is this: …”.
#28
Image source: Gwenyver, Freepik (not the actual photo)
Just the other day actually a man mansplained to me what women want in media representation. And the best part was that he couldn’t have possibly been more wrong or sexist about it. But he sure was confident.
Seriously what is wrong with these men?
#29
Image source: Helpful_Hour1984, wayhomestudio/Freepik (not the actual photo)
How menstruation works.
P.S. I was in my 30s and he wasn't a medical professional.
#30
Image source: anon, cookie_studio/Freepik (not the actual photo)
When my youngest was 9 years old, the guy I was talking to told me that HIS therapist told him that MY anxiety/depression was caused by Post Partum Hormones.
#31
Image source: HauntedOryx, Freepik (not the actual photo)
How to do the job I am literally getting paid to teach them how to do, on their very first day of training. This has happened more than once.
#32
Image source: glycophosphate, ASDFpik/Freepik (not the actual photo)
I was the lone woman in a doctoral seminar on I don't even remember what it was now, but some pimply-faced 21 year-old kid tried to mansplain to me about the shortcomings of 2nd wave feminism. *Junior, I* ***was there.***.
#33
Image source: Crazyhowthatworks304, Freepik (not the actual photo)
I work in IT, basically the master of all for the company I work for. I was trying to fix a computer tied to our AV entertainment system one day. This guy, who is one of our facilities folks, is notorious for trying to do IT related things because "you don't need a degree in computer science for this" (he told this to my best friend who is one of the other facilities people), started telling me that maybe I should try to see if it's X and not Z. He launches into this whole spiel about changing to use gold tipped HDMI cables over the silver tipped cables. That wasn't even the problem. So I started at him in the eye sockets of his soul, unplug one of the gold tipped HDMI cables from the system just to show him and plugged it back in. Surprise, that wasn't the problem.
I've learned to always stare at him without blinking if he mansplains. I've really perfected my dry humor and sarcasm, so it makes him extra uncomfortable.
#34
Image source: unrepentantgeraldine, vladimircech/Freepik (not the actual photo)
I once had a man, who was not Australian, explain to me, an Australian, all about koalas. So I was mansplained AND koalasplained to.
#35
A random guy tried to explain the history behind MY LAST NAME. The best part was that he was totally incorrect in his assumption about the meaning of the name and where my family originated from. Several random men (who were not doctors) have tried explaining to me how MY OWN DISABILITIES work. Everything they said was laughably incorrect. Image source: RepossessedbatmobileDE
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