58 Misogynists Tried To Explain Women But Ended Up Embarrassing Themselves (New Pics)

Misogyny isn’t something you learn in school or college, and yet, here we are in 2025, seeing it surface in all sorts of places. So where does it come from? Often, it’s the small things people absorb every day: offhand remarks, jokes that put women down, or even the way it’s portrayed online. Actions in real life matter too. 

For instance, when a father mistreats his wife in front of his son, it’s not just the woman who suffers; that boy is quietly learning that this behavior is acceptable. These lessons, subtle as they may seem, add up over time, shaping attitudes before anyone ever sits down for a formal “lesson” in respect or empathy. IIn many ways, the daily environment becomes the classroom, and sadly, misogyny might appear as an early lesson.

Unfortunately, in today’s digital world, misogyny is spreading faster than ever online. Social media, forums, and even comment sections can become breeding grounds for harmful ideas about gender. According to a UN Women report, online content frequently fuels backlash against feminism while reinforcing outdated and limiting notions of what men and women “should” do. These messages don’t just stay online, they shape attitudes, influence behavior, and normalize disrespect over time. Repeated exposure to such content can make biased ideas seem acceptable, even to those who wouldn’t consciously endorse them.

Building on these findings, studies exploring misogynistic content online have used a variety of terms to describe it, including “gender cyber hatred,” “cyber harassment,” “gender trolling,” “e-bile,” and “gender hate speech.” Each term captures a slightly different aspect of how hostility toward women and girls manifests in digital spaces, from targeted harassment to more subtle forms of online mistreatment.

Researchers use these distinctions to better understand patterns, impacts, and the ways in which misogyny spreads. By labeling and analyzing these behaviors, it becomes easier to highlight the real-world consequences of what might otherwise seem like “just words on a screen.” Over time, these studies have revealed the pervasive nature of online misogyny and its influence on social attitudes, online culture, and even offline interactions.

These online attacks are not harmless: they can have real psychological and social effects on the targets. Women and girls subjected to repeated harassment or demeaning comments may experience stress, anxiety, and even fear when engaging online. Beyond the personal impact, these behaviors can silence voices, discourage participation in digital spaces, and reinforce a culture where misogynistic attitudes go unchallenged. When hostility becomes normalized, it not only affects individuals but also shapes the broader online environment, making it more difficult to foster respectful, inclusive conversations.

Thankfully, people online often call out misogyny for what it is, holding outdated or harmful views accountable. There are some clear signs to watch for, especially when men react negatively to a woman’s achievements. For instance, if she shares a professional milestone and the comments focus more on belittling her than celebrating her, that’s a big red flag.

Misogynistic attitudes often come through in ways that suggest women “shouldn’t” be successful, ambitious, or recognized. Sometimes it’s subtle: a dismissive joke, a snide remark, or a comment undermining her confidence. Other times, it’s more blatant, questioning her worth or abilities outright. Seeing these patterns helps us recognize the problem instead of normalizing it. The more we notice it, the easier it becomes to call it out.

Another common sign of online misogyny is when men comment on what a woman wears. If someone posts a picture and the responses focus more on her clothing, appearance, or body than on the content of her post, that’s a warning sign. Sometimes it’s subtle, “nice outfit” turned into a backhanded compliment or unnecessary critique.

Other times, it’s more aggressive, trying to shame or control what she chooses to wear. These comments often reveal an underlying belief that women’s value lies in their looks rather than their ideas or accomplishments. Over time, repeated remarks like this can chip away at confidence and create a toxic environment. It’s not just about one-off comments, it’s about seeing the consistent ways women are judged differently.

Another way misogyny shows up online is when women’s opinions are dismissed or invalidated. If a woman shares her thoughts on a topic and the comments immediately question her intelligence, “fact-check” her unnecessarily, or tell her she’s overreacting, that’s a red flag. It’s a subtle way of saying, “Your voice doesn’t matter as much as his.” This can happen in comment sections, forums, or even in group chats, and it often flies under the radar because it’s not overtly hostile, but the effect is the same: silencing and undermining women.

Another sign to watch for is the way some men try to control women’s online presence. This can include criticizing posts, policing what they share, or demanding explanations for harmless actions. Even jokes or “friendly advice” about what women should or shouldn’t do online can be a form of subtle misogyny. These actions reinforce the idea that women’s autonomy and expression are up for debate.

And while there are cyber laws in place to deal with harassment and harmful online behavior, it’s just as important for all of us to spot these patterns and call them out. Doing so helps create a safer, more respectful digital space for everyone. Some of these posts really highlight how clueless certain men can be about women, and even basic facts about how a woman’s body works. Reading through them can make you roll your eyes, cringe, or even laugh at the absurdity. Which ones stood out to you the most? Share these examples with others to raise awareness and remind people why speaking up matters.