Looking for a word that describes the feeling of being told something in an overly simplified manner that feels offensive.
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1Welcome to Stack Exchange ELU! Can you update the OP with some examples of how you would like to use this word?– HankDec 2, 2016 at 17:24
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Not quite the same, but a word that has gained currency of late is mansplain.– Hot LicksDec 2, 2016 at 18:10
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@HotLicks I think that might be a little too gender specific.– HankDec 2, 2016 at 18:28
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@Hank - 'Splain it to me.– Hot LicksDec 2, 2016 at 18:31
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2@Hank - That's why I made it a comment, and said "not quite the same". Just wanted to make readers of this thread aware of the word (in case they'd been living in a cave the past 5 years).– Hot LicksDec 2, 2016 at 18:35
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3 Answers
Patronise
- to adopt an air of condescension toward : treat haughtily or coolly
to behave or treat in a condescending way
The adjective form of this would be patronising.
A professor who patronises his students would be someone who acts as if their students are very young.
answered Dec 2, 2016 at 17:35
Condescending
con·de·scend·ing (kŏn′dĭ-sĕn′dĭng)
adjective
- showing or implying a usually patronizing descent from dignity or superiority:
They resented the older neighbors' condescending cordiality.
This comes from the verb to condescend:
verb (used without object)
- to behave as if one is conscious of descending from a superior position, rank, or dignity.
answered Dec 2, 2016 at 17:40
The phrase that will work best is:
Talk down to
verb
- to speak in a condescending or oversimplified fashion
If you wanted to use a single word, this one may work, depending on the context:
Belittle
verb
- to cause (a person or thing) to seem little or less; talk down
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1Hi @Hank, these are good words, but can you add a link or reference to your source?– HellionDec 2, 2016 at 21:50
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