splain
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
To condescendingly explain something, often extensively, especially to someone that knows more about it; for example, to mansplain, whitesplain, etc.
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Those who splain may have the intent of helping the situation, but the actual impact of their actions can feel condescending or insulting.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “splain” mean?
To condescendingly explain something, often extensively, especially to someone that knows more about it; for example, to mansplain, whitesplain, etc.
Is “splain” formal or informal?
splain is generally slang.