talking down to
Belittling through speech
Talking down to someone is speaking to them in a condescending or patronizing manner, as if they were less intelligent or capable: Don't talk down to me—I understand the situation perfectly well.
The phrase suggests adopting a tone of superiority, explaining things that don't need explaining, or using oversimplified language.
- condescendAct superior toward others
- deignReluctantly consent beneath status
- demeaningCausing loss of respect
- mansplainingCondescending male explanation
- little ladyCondescending address for females
patronizing · holier than thou · infantilizing · treating like a child · derisive · belittling · overexplaining · explaining away · sarcasm · lecturing · hierarchy · humiliation · oversimplification · dominance · power trip · authority · inferiority · scolding
talking down tolooking up to
Admiring and respecting greatly
respecting · honoring · valuing · flattering · bootlicking
talking down toempowering
Giving authority or confidence
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