Women on Twitter Are Describing Daily Encounters with Mansplainers

Public speaking, Speech, Spokesperson, Event, Orator, Convention, Performance,

(Image credit: Getty Images)

published 23 March 2017

Tracy Clayton, co-host of Buzzfeed's hit podcast "Another Round," was recently riding in a Lyft when the driver would not stop explaining to her the meaning of "terminal." As in, an airport terminal.

MY FUCKING LYFT DRIVER KEEPS EXPLAINING TO ME WHAT A GOTDAMN AIRPORT TERMINAL IS AND I AM GOING TO FLIPMarch 21, 2017

Naturally, Clayton was really *freaking* irritated by this because as an avid traveler, she is quite familiar with how airports function.

he's giving me tips I don't need and I keep telling him i fly several times a month for work. this is my 3rd flight in as many weeksMarch 21, 2017

So she asked women to share the most infuriating things that have been mansplained to them, and an amazing conversation took off on Twitter.

women, what's the most infuriating thing you've had mansplained to you?March 21, 2017

The sampling of responses below demonstrate just how rampant mansplaining is—and that we can fight back against it together:

a pharmacist (man) told me I was choosing the wrong kind of painkiller for cramps.So I asked him what he takes for his.March 21, 2017

Last week a man took time to school me on how I should and should not respond to demeaning sexist attacks. I was ever so grateful. pic.twitter.com/wxzoSdMhG0March 21, 2017

the first amendment, by a rando, even tho i told him i work at a 1st amendment law firm.March 21, 2017

What "real Disability" was and how I should feel (when I am disabled and working in accessibility).March 21, 2017

BDSM. 10 years of reading, reflection and experience mean nothing to a guy who tied his gf up in college that one time. pic.twitter.com/7x3FqU3sjiMarch 21, 2017

That the reason there was black mold growing in my shower is because "women are more damp than guys". 👌👌👌March 21, 2017

How to pronounce "Gaelic".I have a degree in Celtic studies. https://t.co/zdqilgIlYCMarch 21, 2017

How and why catcalling is flattering, not harassment -_-March 21, 2017

About twice a year, I'll post about being stuck writing and someone will respond "try writing a book!" I've written two. https://t.co/vaajqPd8agMarch 21, 2017

the difference between a screw and a nail in my own hardware store.March 21, 2017

I was told there was "no such thing as an accidentally pregnancy" because birth control exists.March 21, 2017

Obstetrician disagreed that my baby was about to come. Mansplained & left for soda. 3 mins later: Baby born, no doc in roomMarch 21, 2017

True story. I was WH waiting meet w/Pres. Obama. Man explains to me: "If you want to succeed you sd learn abt sports.March 21, 2017

I once had a friend mansplain to my roommate how to ~correctly~ pronounce her own name bc he thought she was doing it wrongMarch 21, 2017

once a man tried to explain an article to me. An article I wrote.March 21, 2017

So, next time you come across a mansplainer, don't just smile sweetly. Think to yourself: what would Beyoncé do?

Follow Marie Claire on F (opens in new tab)acebook (opens in new tab) for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.

My writing has regularly appeared in The New York Times, The Paris Review, Salon, VICE, Guernica, The New York Observer, BuzzFeed, Cosmopolitan, Seventeen, Esquire, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and many more publications.

I was previously the Senior News Editor at Best Life Online and the Viral Content Editor in the Newsroom of Hearst Digital Media. My portfolio consists of a vast and diverse body of work that includes personal essays, lifestyle articles, breaking news posts, and viral content. My areas of expertise, however, are Russia, sex and relationships, and mental wellness.