‘Manspreading,’ an annoying but ultimately minor social issue, has gotten plenty of attention in recent times, with many women expressing their anger with the habit and ascribing things like ‘an exhibition of male dominance’ to it.
So instead of being treated as another social faux pas, like checking your phone in a conversation or picking your nose in public, this one has taken on a gendered slant and has skyrocketed into public consciousness, leading some men to try to rationalize themselves.
This Reddit commenter decided that the best way to do so was with science. Citing various physiological reasons for manspreading, the explanations sound convincing indeed. (Facebook cover image: Greg Neate)
Here’s what others had to say about it
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Share on FacebookAs little as possible, as much as necessary. That's how I try to sit when in public. For me, it's very uncomfortable to sit with (fully) closed legs. But to spread them like wings isn't a good thing to do, so ... spread responsible, guys!
Well said. I don't think there is any issue with a little spread. I'm pretty sure the issue is the full on open-crotchers taking up two or three spaces and virtually advertising their nether regions to anyone nearby. Honestly, it's not something I've seen often, which makes it seem all the more offensive and slovenly when I do see it. Most guys are perfectly respectful of the space limitations.
Load More Replies...calling it Manspreading or Mananything is stupid. The correct term is "Being an A*****e" 405-5c0eae...09e003.jpg
Yeah. I've seen guys and girls do it. It's usually guys who do the "spread legs" thing (which just makes me want to acknowledge how they're just making their crotch an extremely open target), but it doesn't matter what gender they are, tons of people put their bags on another seat or spread out their arms more or something. I don't understand this idea of "establishing dominance" by doing this. If that's what they're actually trying to accomplish, they're aiming incredibly low by just being a d**k who doesn't leave space for people on public transport.
Load More Replies...There's a big difference between a reasonable amount of spread and seeing a guy practically doing the splits. And from my observations the wider the spread, the tighter the pants get in the crotch, which shows way more bulge than I want to see. I'm pretty sure that's why some designer over at Duluth Trading created their Ballroom Jeans.
So what you're saying is that it's natural? Like breast feeding? So if we stop complaining about man spreading can we make a truce about not complaining about feeding our kids?
My gf has never ever had any negative comments about breast feeding. I doubt that many women had negative comments, and I don't think any of the female Twitter loudmouths have children at all.
Load More Replies...I never understood why people thought manspreading was sexist. I think it is generally polite in a crowded space when men move their legs together a little more so they aren't pushing someone aside. But either way it's not sexist
In my experience if a guy is sitting with his legs wide it's only because he has the space to do so, which no one should have a problem with, who cares how you're sitting if it's not interfering with anything? Most guys aren't inconsiderate enough to take up more room than neccesary if it's crowded.
Load More Replies...But it's not mansplaining if he actually knows more than any female. Also, it's not like he explained it without you wanting to. You actively clicked on the site...
Load More Replies...So I'm a guy, what should I do if apparently my precious masculine body was design to man spread in metro, but have to sit next to another guy who man spreading? :D :D :D If it's "uncomfortable" for you to sit in public spaces like a decent human being, than wear appropriate underwear and learn how to adjust your genitals ...
Oh glob, not another one. Just stop spreading your legs out if you're sitting next to someone or if you're on a full bus/train. There ya go.
I normally don't harp on manspreading. However, last week I went to the theater and the seats were already cramped and tiny and it was hot as balls in there. And of course the guy next to me was majorly manspreading the whole f*****g show. I moved my legs as close as I could do the other side and he was still touching me throughout most of the performance. That is just unacceptable and rude.
You bother to say anything to the guy? Perhaps you might have pointed this out to him before deciding he was a douche.
Load More Replies...It's OK to spread your legs when you're not invading other people's space or you're not preventing someone from getting a seat on public transport. However, it's totally insensitive and annoying when others are troubled and cannot sit because you're treating the whole place like your own house. Is this thing a sign of dominance, thinking that nobody's going to say a word? It's a NO for me, mah boy. I'm not satisfied with his post talking about testes etc but I'm not trying to be insensitive here. I was just looking forward to the part where he mentions what he's going to do when people cannot sit because of his exposed crotch. .. as expected, I was disappointed. The same thing goes for women who sit like they're relaxing at the beach. There are women who are like that and gosh I really make them know how annoyed I am. I don't say anything but my actions are totally doing the talking.
On August 24, 2018 I had the privilege to see Sir Ian McKellen doing King Lear at the Duke of York's Theatre in London. It was amazing. For me it was the most uncomfortable first act, very narrow seats, and very narrow aisles, in a very hot theatre. I had literally no way to move my legs to be comfortable, the only thing was to fidget. Second act, I didn't see, I left during intermission. A real shame, as Sir Ian may not ever do this again given his age, he well knows it too. I paid good money to see him. But I wasn't comfortable and I honestly didn't think it was fair to other guests. If only there had been a way to spread my legs, just a little and I could have stayed and seen the whole play. Alas I could not. It isn't about dominance, I don't need to assert my dominance, I happily accept there are women who are much better at doing many things than I can, and I don't stress. But I do need some space to sit comfortably, on a bus or subway if required I will sit with legs closed.
Here's the thing: sometimes people are too intimidated to ask a guy to stop manspreading. I took the attached photo on the subway on Saturday. The guy looked very... mean? The seats were all taken and here he was, taking up 3 seats. Everyone just walked by rather than ask him to move. manspread-...c23bac.jpg
He looks so tiny but he definitely was able to spread himself into three chairs!! LOL
Load More Replies...Well... We are taught that letting gas out (a physiological need) is socially shaming also, and so we wait until we're alone to do so. Or even scratching on some parts, even if they're very itchy. And any woman can tell it may become itchy under some circumstances too, not only men will need to scratch. But we also contain ourselves. Just saying.
So much b******t, my boyfriend sits totally comfortable with his leg over the other and never "manspreads" on public transport, and he is really tall and can still keep his balance, no logic what so ever in this argument.
Well he sounds like a nonce, only gays sit like that, or he has no balls, and what does balance have to do with anything?, this is sitting not standing lol.
Load More Replies...If manspreading is so "natural" how come it's a relatively new thing? When I was growing up man never spread their legs that way. Now I see it every now and then, and yes some people are doing it even if it clearly taking to much space. Also, a friend of mine lives in Turkey and she said that there's no such thing as manspreading there. Don't Turkish men also have balls?
I'm a man and had no idea! No decorum while seated, I'm afraid... but, this reminded me yesterday at the mall, was dying to sit while mom did her shopping and a freaking girl had her purse on the seat next to hers, and wouldn't move it at all. So, the problem isn't manspreading, but common rudeness and lack of education
I'm glad that he agrees people shouldn't do it when it's taking up other people's space. That's the only time I have a problem with it. In fact, as a woman I have *never* felt comfortable crossing my knees, it's painful and awkward, so I am completely against legs-apart-sitting becoming socially unacceptable in general.
I sit so I don't accidentally crush my balls. A little gap between the thighs, but not so large I look like a stretched out wishbone about to snap.
Just like everything else in life, whether it's justifiable is dependent on context!
Sometimes it's no so much about dominance as it is fat. I have big thighs. I can't get my knees together to save my life. Then there's the gut. I have an overhang and when sitting I have to spread my legs to allow the overhang to drift downward so i can breathe. I know there are those who say 'then lose the weight'. I have 7 times and it keeps coming back.
I'm a woman with a very full figure and therefore very full thighs and a round belly. This causes me to "manspread" when I sit.
Many times it's not just the legs, but elbows out at the sides, too.
Ever had a guy "manspread" on a plane? Now that is nasty. It's already cramped as hell and they've got their thights rubbing against you. *shudder*
Another man complaining how hard they have it compared to women. Does this guy not realize that lady bits get hot, too? We could steam shellfish down there when it's hot, yet we somehow manage to sit with our legs closed.
Did you read the post? Thats not what his main argument is.
Load More Replies...Well I've never heard anyone complain about men opening their legs; only when guys block other seats or squash the people next to them. If feminists hadn't complained about it then no-one would be defending it. Also I'm a fairly tall guy but I have no problem closing my legs. Maybe I'm a freak. Though, to be fair, if there is room and no-one wants to sit, then it is comfortable to open them
WTF???? 'manspreading' is no more problematic as whatever word you want to create to describe women with big purses taking up room. ASK the guy to MOVE!!!!!! Just like people ask ME to make room! It's only a problem when the person won't do it! (I've seen WOMEN be jerks and refuse to move packages BTW) All these explanations are just non sequiturs (on both sides).
A factor the judgemental here have not mentioned or seemingly considered is the length and weight of his legs. I have a 36" inseam. I'm 6'-4" or was until I aged. I weigh 265#. Keeping my knees together would be a muscular strain for me. I would tire and cramp if I did it for very long. When one is sleeping in a chair there you can see what would be natural and comfortable for that man without assigning some perverted motive to him.
For me, at least, its about anxiety and NEVER about dominance. I dont want people to sit next to me and can have a LOT of anxiety about it. I also take up seats with my bag. I refuse to apologize. If its someone who needs it like the elderly or someone obviously in pain or a pregnant woman, ill move.
I'm female and I spread ........ what of if. Why don't we just let people be!
I never heard a conversation about that in Germany i think we don´t even have a word for that thing ...oO
Thank God I've got Panda to keep me on top of the latest global issues. Otherwise I would have never heard of it.
yep. if u got balls betwen legs siting like a women is quite unconfortable and sometimes pinfull so...
These are the same a******s that will park their cars over 2 spaces so nobody scratches their precious baby.
The car thing is less annoying than some gross weirdo with his nuts out in the open air, hanging his nasty legs over the span of three seats! At least those car people try to move away from other cars. The spreaders do it in the middle of a crowded room.
Load More Replies...It's after 5pm and I have been at work all day. Commuting time on the bus is always crowded. One - possible - seat clear on the bench at the back. A young man is sitting over 2 seats. I walk up and say, excuse me. He sort of scoots over. I say, your junk isn't all that big anyway. In a great deal of embarrassment - he's about the age of my grandson - he gets up and leaves. Everyone around me chuckles, even the men. If it is all that necessary for men to spread, why don't they do so standing up?
You asked, he moved! Why then embarrass the poor kid? THAT was rude, dear!
Load More Replies...Yes, guys sit with open legs, we have junk down there that moves around and gets stuck to other things and then your boxers may bunch up and pull tight on something down there and the very real possibility of sitting on a ball, any guy will tell you its a stomach churning pain that makes you just lie down in the fetal position for an hour, like others have said, don't be an a*****e about it but people need to realise we simply cannot sit with our legs closed, we aren't physically made like that.
I deliberately manspread and occupy space to signify my alpha dominance, huge genitals and to p**s feminists, (male and female) manginas and soyboys off.
I'm a woman and I think men should be able to air their nuts every once in a while.
There are significatnly more women taking up seats with their bags and purses than men spreading their legs. And also more badly raised teenagers of both genders who put their dirty shoes up on the opposite seats. Why not launch a campaign against those? They are far more antisocial.
I'm irritated when I see some men manspreading so much, I know how it feels when my balls are pressed with my legs so be considerate to others, but I also hope that everyone knows that "we", "males" have this balls that it's hard for us to remain leg clutched together for a long time.
Also, when men walk, the balls somehow fit between the legs, but when a man sits, it pushes them up between the legs. It's very uncomfortable. Women always sit on their genitals, and they are very particular how and where sit. (e.g. water infection from cold). Still, as has been said, it's really about anti-social a******s, not males generally. It's just been used been radfems for their destruction form of feminism.
When you consider the preferred temperature for sperm to be stored, shouldn't we stop wearing jeans and tight shorts and start wearing kilts?
Not really since it doesn’t seem to be affecting anyone.
Load More Replies...The man-spreading thing has always annoyed me. I know it is very current to pick on every single thing a man does wrong at the moment but let a person sit however the hell they feel comfortable!
The point is often some men manspread so much it takes up half of the seats on either side. However it's perfectly fine when men aren't taking up some else's space.
Load More Replies...It can actually hurt and if not relieved, it can make one feel nauseous.
Load More Replies...As little as possible, as much as necessary. That's how I try to sit when in public. For me, it's very uncomfortable to sit with (fully) closed legs. But to spread them like wings isn't a good thing to do, so ... spread responsible, guys!
Well said. I don't think there is any issue with a little spread. I'm pretty sure the issue is the full on open-crotchers taking up two or three spaces and virtually advertising their nether regions to anyone nearby. Honestly, it's not something I've seen often, which makes it seem all the more offensive and slovenly when I do see it. Most guys are perfectly respectful of the space limitations.
Load More Replies...calling it Manspreading or Mananything is stupid. The correct term is "Being an A*****e" 405-5c0eae...09e003.jpg
Yeah. I've seen guys and girls do it. It's usually guys who do the "spread legs" thing (which just makes me want to acknowledge how they're just making their crotch an extremely open target), but it doesn't matter what gender they are, tons of people put their bags on another seat or spread out their arms more or something. I don't understand this idea of "establishing dominance" by doing this. If that's what they're actually trying to accomplish, they're aiming incredibly low by just being a d**k who doesn't leave space for people on public transport.
Load More Replies...There's a big difference between a reasonable amount of spread and seeing a guy practically doing the splits. And from my observations the wider the spread, the tighter the pants get in the crotch, which shows way more bulge than I want to see. I'm pretty sure that's why some designer over at Duluth Trading created their Ballroom Jeans.
So what you're saying is that it's natural? Like breast feeding? So if we stop complaining about man spreading can we make a truce about not complaining about feeding our kids?
My gf has never ever had any negative comments about breast feeding. I doubt that many women had negative comments, and I don't think any of the female Twitter loudmouths have children at all.
Load More Replies...I never understood why people thought manspreading was sexist. I think it is generally polite in a crowded space when men move their legs together a little more so they aren't pushing someone aside. But either way it's not sexist
In my experience if a guy is sitting with his legs wide it's only because he has the space to do so, which no one should have a problem with, who cares how you're sitting if it's not interfering with anything? Most guys aren't inconsiderate enough to take up more room than neccesary if it's crowded.
Load More Replies...But it's not mansplaining if he actually knows more than any female. Also, it's not like he explained it without you wanting to. You actively clicked on the site...
Load More Replies...So I'm a guy, what should I do if apparently my precious masculine body was design to man spread in metro, but have to sit next to another guy who man spreading? :D :D :D If it's "uncomfortable" for you to sit in public spaces like a decent human being, than wear appropriate underwear and learn how to adjust your genitals ...
Oh glob, not another one. Just stop spreading your legs out if you're sitting next to someone or if you're on a full bus/train. There ya go.
I normally don't harp on manspreading. However, last week I went to the theater and the seats were already cramped and tiny and it was hot as balls in there. And of course the guy next to me was majorly manspreading the whole f*****g show. I moved my legs as close as I could do the other side and he was still touching me throughout most of the performance. That is just unacceptable and rude.
You bother to say anything to the guy? Perhaps you might have pointed this out to him before deciding he was a douche.
Load More Replies...It's OK to spread your legs when you're not invading other people's space or you're not preventing someone from getting a seat on public transport. However, it's totally insensitive and annoying when others are troubled and cannot sit because you're treating the whole place like your own house. Is this thing a sign of dominance, thinking that nobody's going to say a word? It's a NO for me, mah boy. I'm not satisfied with his post talking about testes etc but I'm not trying to be insensitive here. I was just looking forward to the part where he mentions what he's going to do when people cannot sit because of his exposed crotch. .. as expected, I was disappointed. The same thing goes for women who sit like they're relaxing at the beach. There are women who are like that and gosh I really make them know how annoyed I am. I don't say anything but my actions are totally doing the talking.
On August 24, 2018 I had the privilege to see Sir Ian McKellen doing King Lear at the Duke of York's Theatre in London. It was amazing. For me it was the most uncomfortable first act, very narrow seats, and very narrow aisles, in a very hot theatre. I had literally no way to move my legs to be comfortable, the only thing was to fidget. Second act, I didn't see, I left during intermission. A real shame, as Sir Ian may not ever do this again given his age, he well knows it too. I paid good money to see him. But I wasn't comfortable and I honestly didn't think it was fair to other guests. If only there had been a way to spread my legs, just a little and I could have stayed and seen the whole play. Alas I could not. It isn't about dominance, I don't need to assert my dominance, I happily accept there are women who are much better at doing many things than I can, and I don't stress. But I do need some space to sit comfortably, on a bus or subway if required I will sit with legs closed.
Here's the thing: sometimes people are too intimidated to ask a guy to stop manspreading. I took the attached photo on the subway on Saturday. The guy looked very... mean? The seats were all taken and here he was, taking up 3 seats. Everyone just walked by rather than ask him to move. manspread-...c23bac.jpg
He looks so tiny but he definitely was able to spread himself into three chairs!! LOL
Load More Replies...Well... We are taught that letting gas out (a physiological need) is socially shaming also, and so we wait until we're alone to do so. Or even scratching on some parts, even if they're very itchy. And any woman can tell it may become itchy under some circumstances too, not only men will need to scratch. But we also contain ourselves. Just saying.
So much b******t, my boyfriend sits totally comfortable with his leg over the other and never "manspreads" on public transport, and he is really tall and can still keep his balance, no logic what so ever in this argument.
Well he sounds like a nonce, only gays sit like that, or he has no balls, and what does balance have to do with anything?, this is sitting not standing lol.
Load More Replies...If manspreading is so "natural" how come it's a relatively new thing? When I was growing up man never spread their legs that way. Now I see it every now and then, and yes some people are doing it even if it clearly taking to much space. Also, a friend of mine lives in Turkey and she said that there's no such thing as manspreading there. Don't Turkish men also have balls?
I'm a man and had no idea! No decorum while seated, I'm afraid... but, this reminded me yesterday at the mall, was dying to sit while mom did her shopping and a freaking girl had her purse on the seat next to hers, and wouldn't move it at all. So, the problem isn't manspreading, but common rudeness and lack of education
I'm glad that he agrees people shouldn't do it when it's taking up other people's space. That's the only time I have a problem with it. In fact, as a woman I have *never* felt comfortable crossing my knees, it's painful and awkward, so I am completely against legs-apart-sitting becoming socially unacceptable in general.
I sit so I don't accidentally crush my balls. A little gap between the thighs, but not so large I look like a stretched out wishbone about to snap.
Just like everything else in life, whether it's justifiable is dependent on context!
Sometimes it's no so much about dominance as it is fat. I have big thighs. I can't get my knees together to save my life. Then there's the gut. I have an overhang and when sitting I have to spread my legs to allow the overhang to drift downward so i can breathe. I know there are those who say 'then lose the weight'. I have 7 times and it keeps coming back.
I'm a woman with a very full figure and therefore very full thighs and a round belly. This causes me to "manspread" when I sit.
Many times it's not just the legs, but elbows out at the sides, too.
Ever had a guy "manspread" on a plane? Now that is nasty. It's already cramped as hell and they've got their thights rubbing against you. *shudder*
Another man complaining how hard they have it compared to women. Does this guy not realize that lady bits get hot, too? We could steam shellfish down there when it's hot, yet we somehow manage to sit with our legs closed.
Did you read the post? Thats not what his main argument is.
Load More Replies...Well I've never heard anyone complain about men opening their legs; only when guys block other seats or squash the people next to them. If feminists hadn't complained about it then no-one would be defending it. Also I'm a fairly tall guy but I have no problem closing my legs. Maybe I'm a freak. Though, to be fair, if there is room and no-one wants to sit, then it is comfortable to open them
WTF???? 'manspreading' is no more problematic as whatever word you want to create to describe women with big purses taking up room. ASK the guy to MOVE!!!!!! Just like people ask ME to make room! It's only a problem when the person won't do it! (I've seen WOMEN be jerks and refuse to move packages BTW) All these explanations are just non sequiturs (on both sides).
A factor the judgemental here have not mentioned or seemingly considered is the length and weight of his legs. I have a 36" inseam. I'm 6'-4" or was until I aged. I weigh 265#. Keeping my knees together would be a muscular strain for me. I would tire and cramp if I did it for very long. When one is sleeping in a chair there you can see what would be natural and comfortable for that man without assigning some perverted motive to him.
For me, at least, its about anxiety and NEVER about dominance. I dont want people to sit next to me and can have a LOT of anxiety about it. I also take up seats with my bag. I refuse to apologize. If its someone who needs it like the elderly or someone obviously in pain or a pregnant woman, ill move.
I'm female and I spread ........ what of if. Why don't we just let people be!
I never heard a conversation about that in Germany i think we don´t even have a word for that thing ...oO
Thank God I've got Panda to keep me on top of the latest global issues. Otherwise I would have never heard of it.
yep. if u got balls betwen legs siting like a women is quite unconfortable and sometimes pinfull so...
These are the same a******s that will park their cars over 2 spaces so nobody scratches their precious baby.
The car thing is less annoying than some gross weirdo with his nuts out in the open air, hanging his nasty legs over the span of three seats! At least those car people try to move away from other cars. The spreaders do it in the middle of a crowded room.
Load More Replies...It's after 5pm and I have been at work all day. Commuting time on the bus is always crowded. One - possible - seat clear on the bench at the back. A young man is sitting over 2 seats. I walk up and say, excuse me. He sort of scoots over. I say, your junk isn't all that big anyway. In a great deal of embarrassment - he's about the age of my grandson - he gets up and leaves. Everyone around me chuckles, even the men. If it is all that necessary for men to spread, why don't they do so standing up?
You asked, he moved! Why then embarrass the poor kid? THAT was rude, dear!
Load More Replies...Yes, guys sit with open legs, we have junk down there that moves around and gets stuck to other things and then your boxers may bunch up and pull tight on something down there and the very real possibility of sitting on a ball, any guy will tell you its a stomach churning pain that makes you just lie down in the fetal position for an hour, like others have said, don't be an a*****e about it but people need to realise we simply cannot sit with our legs closed, we aren't physically made like that.
I deliberately manspread and occupy space to signify my alpha dominance, huge genitals and to p**s feminists, (male and female) manginas and soyboys off.
I'm a woman and I think men should be able to air their nuts every once in a while.
There are significatnly more women taking up seats with their bags and purses than men spreading their legs. And also more badly raised teenagers of both genders who put their dirty shoes up on the opposite seats. Why not launch a campaign against those? They are far more antisocial.
I'm irritated when I see some men manspreading so much, I know how it feels when my balls are pressed with my legs so be considerate to others, but I also hope that everyone knows that "we", "males" have this balls that it's hard for us to remain leg clutched together for a long time.
Also, when men walk, the balls somehow fit between the legs, but when a man sits, it pushes them up between the legs. It's very uncomfortable. Women always sit on their genitals, and they are very particular how and where sit. (e.g. water infection from cold). Still, as has been said, it's really about anti-social a******s, not males generally. It's just been used been radfems for their destruction form of feminism.
When you consider the preferred temperature for sperm to be stored, shouldn't we stop wearing jeans and tight shorts and start wearing kilts?
Not really since it doesn’t seem to be affecting anyone.
Load More Replies...The man-spreading thing has always annoyed me. I know it is very current to pick on every single thing a man does wrong at the moment but let a person sit however the hell they feel comfortable!
The point is often some men manspread so much it takes up half of the seats on either side. However it's perfectly fine when men aren't taking up some else's space.
Load More Replies...It can actually hurt and if not relieved, it can make one feel nauseous.
Load More Replies...
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