Is "manspreading" a real thing?

Question

Manspreading or man-sitting is the practice of men sitting in public transport with legs wide apart, thereby covering more than one seat. Both this posture and the use of the neologism "manspreading" have occasioned some internet criticism and debates in the US, UK, Turkey, and Canada. Two men were even arrested for "manspreading" in New York. Why is it even a thing? I'd like to sit in whichever way I feel comfortable, not like a wuss with my legs closed.

AlienParasite · Accepted Answer

I think is a thing about manners, I've seen both men and women doing it. Probably less women doing that, but I believe it must be because many women are taught to sit a certain way.

I don't care about a person sitting that way if there's space and many other seats, but is really bad mannered when they are in a subway sit invading other people's space and that person doesn't has any other seat avaliable. Maybe the person next to them want to be able to spread a bit too which is impossible with some people who spread like a rectangle angle or more. Another option is that neighbor passenger maybe don't want their leg to be in contact with a stranger. Is not necessary to close legs full, just reducing the angle a bit, letting other people to spread or not feel the space invaded.

Same way I see this bad manners, I find another practice woman tend to do more than men unpolite too, that is to put their bag or purse in a seat or some seats of public transport, occupying a space that should be let avaliable for other passengers. It's ok if they do that when there's space, but when the only seat avaliable is that, they should be aware and put their things on the floor or their lap.

For me not invading space or occupying more than one seat is like giving my seat to a pregnant woman or the elder.

But even though I find it's not correct this behavior in certain situations and speaks about lack of politeness in those specific contexts, I don't think is reasonable arrest or punish people for that.

PinkMichae · Accepted Answer

I for one think men have a good reason to sit with their legs apart. It makes me laugh that anyone would complain in the first place.

I just see it as guys having a package that makes it uncomfortable to sit with their legs closed. Us women can comfortably sit with our legs closed because we don't have a dick and balls.

I don't think a guy has to spread his legs so far apart that it takes up 2 seats. But I can kinda understand the dude in the last pic because his Jean's are so tight he has to sit that way so he doesn't cut off the circulation to his junk.

Felinegirl · Accepted Answer

Men have more O-shaped legs while women have more X-shaped legs, on average. I think that's the main reason.

Taking up more than one seat is rude though, no matter how comfortable you want to be. If a person decides to lay down on a row of chairs while other people wanted to sit, that's not always acceptable either. So sit however you want to sit, as long as other people don't have to stand because of it.

9teen · Accepted Answer

The most sensitive part is in between their legs and it's bigger than what women have, no I don't find it crazy they need extra room. I don't mind the extra room and I don't understand the nonsense going on about it.

ragingumbreon · Accepted Answer

I'd rather a guy take up a few more centimeters of space than crush his balls.

dantetheexplorer · Accepted Answer

Sitting with your legs apart alone is NOT manspreading.
Sitting with your legs apart AND cutting into another person's personal space IS manspreading.

There is a huge difference between the two.
Seriously, the amount of men who are whining like babies about how the world is no longer allowing them to sit with their legs apart is ridiculous.
This coming from men who PRIDE themselves on being "more logical than women".
How can these men be anywhere near logical if they conflate "sitting with your legs apart" to "manspreading"?

Public Service Announcement:
To all those "logical", whining men - you're allowed to sit with your legs apart. No one's coming to get you. In fact, many women sit with their legs apart as well.

However, the moment you spread your legs so wide that it INVADES into another person's personal space, THAT'S when you are a manspreading.

Respect other people's personal space and you will do fine in society.

Seriously, for all those male whiners - go take a Critical Thinking 101 Course. Trying to conflate the two is beyond ridiculous - it's moronic, puerile, and incredibly juvenile.

Spawnface · Accepted Answer

We live in an age were art can be mistaken as trash on the ground, where trash on the ground is considered art.

Intellectuals and academics are straight retarded nowadays. Rather than make a real discovery like uncovering the subconscious, developing propaganda, reinventing the automobile, people have this. The equivilent of scribbles on a wall labeled as art in acedemia. Instead of the Mona Lisa, we have have this stupidity.

All there is to say about it. It's a pathetic attempt to get noticed and get acknowledgement. It's what happens when kids who have no business going to university go to university.

As an idea... It's humiliating for the human race for someone to even acknowledge that somebody created this.

MlleCake · Answer

It's real. But if the guy sits up and makes room for people when needed, then it's fine.

ladsin · Answer

I sit with my legs spread or with one leg crossed over the other. I've seen other men sit similarly so I guess it is a thing.

Allie_Oops · Answer

It's completely a thing and it's annoying because men won't move to make room for others to sit or at least sit comfortably.

Киттйлинк · Answer

Everyone likes to be comfortable, but if I see a lot of people standing and I’m taking up a lot of space, I’ll readjust my personalmbelonging or myself if I need to to make more space for other... HOWEVER, I’m not a man and I don’t have balls between my legs and such, so I’d understand some space there, yet if I were a man I’d still try to take up less space if I did see too many people trying to sit and I were taking up too much space...

Be considerate of others.

In any case! I have never even hear or seen anybody get bothered by men sitting in any way other than the internet. This is the only place I hear or see this. In real life, at least in MY real life, I have not witness any drama queens making a big deal about this cause that’s what it is, dramatic people that like to complain.

hellionthesagereborn · Answer

Well yes in that we are physiologically different and as such our natural sitting "state" if you will, is to have our legs wider apart (women have wider hips and inward facing thigh bones which is why they are able to sit comfortably with their legs together). Is it a real thing in that its some how some kind of form of female oppression? Absolutely not and the fact that women have so little to complain about that they now try to control how we sit (even as they put their bags up on the seats next to them etc.) just goes to show you how great they have it.

EmbraceThePain · Answer

I think the word is odd and unjustified in labeling things that do not deserve such a label. Of course if you’re in certain situations, you do not want to take up too much space because other people have to sit as well, such as on public transportation. If you’re sitting on a public bench by yourself and you feel comfortable sitting with your legs wide apart, I don’t feel like this deserves a specific title of “manspreading.” I think people, perhaps radical feminist types, hate the idea of a man trying to dominate his territory, by spreading is body wide, occupying a lot of space in the process. They view a man silly sitting in a certain orientation as doing so with the intention of the preceding sentence maybe. My opinion.

CharmingKevin · Answer

I do feel uncomfortable sitting with my legs completely closed (and getting my balls pressed between my thighs in my jeans), however, I am mindful of my sitting postures in public, so I always sit with legs close together (forming a narrow V) almost touching while making sure I don't feel uncomfortably squeezed down there. I don't manspread at all in public. But in private, that is a different ball game altogether... as mentioned by Cask23. My lady partner looks even more attractive when her face is straddled between my man-spreadded thighs!

920_M · Answer

For some reason, it may be necessary (sitting with legs closed).

For example, if the place is too crowded he may need to sit with legs closed.

But I don't see why a man who sat like that in public should be arrested.

He can sit however he wants.

linaashxx · Answer

Some women: Men are manspreading- it’s a disease! Men: ... but what about when you leave your bags on empty seat?  *Women had left the chat*

Anonymous · Answer

Who cares? Men need to spread because they have stuff between their legs and if they sit with the legs together it can hurt. (Its what I have heard). So why shoudnt they be able to manspread?

I mean ofcorse if a guy pushes you off your seat with his leg then that's too far but I understand if they need more space then us women.

yoshi_wanna_ask · Answer

Some people do take it a bit too far but because it's so much more comfortable to manspread some guys can take it too far on benches & public transport, areas that need to be shared. Open legs are fine but 'manspreading' is really stretching out. Like the guy in the first picture but in a shared area.

I don't think it's that big of a deal as long as there's enough room for other people.

Anonymous · Answer

The last one would be a bit ridiculous on a crowded subway. He may need his legs apart but there's no point in having his knees out so much. The second picture just looks like a normal guy sitting down. It would looks weird seeing him sit like the girl that is sitting next to him. The only time I would say a guy would sit like the girl next to him would be if you're trying to cram as many people into a small sitting space as possible. Like a car and there's more people than there are seats. Trust me, in that scenario guys will force other guys to squeeze their legs together because that's better than the alternative of sitting on someones lap.

LiLaLydia · Answer

people don't have any real problems anymore if they have time to bother about that. if there's a free seat and someone is blocking it with their leg or backback or whatever, then I kindly ask them to make some space and it's all good.

of course it would be nice if I didn't have to ask first, but no reason to make any drama out of it like some websites did

LegendarySir · Answer

It's a thing (cause I mean, it's right there, you can see it), but it's not a problem.
Maybe if people weren't so socially inept today, they could ask the man "manspreading" if he could make some space for them to sit. But no, people rather complain than open their mouth and speak. Well fuck them, sit uncomfortably if you aren't willing to speak up.

Killer-Queen · Answer

People need to leave these men alone. "Manspreading" - oh please. Men have balls, some bigger than others. Let them sit comfortably, ladies and stop trying to dictate others. Don't even get me started on "mansplaining". I swear, some people have nothing better to be outraged about,

Ellie-V · Answer

I’m a girl and I guess I manspread too. Not sure why people have to get arrested for it. But I guess it could be considered rude or indecent to other people. Frankly, I have no reason to care. If a dude is taking up space with his legs I’m going to say excuse me. But if he doesn’t comply I’m just going to sit down anyway and push his legs over 🤷🏾‍♀️

emmily2396 · Answer

Yes, because you see, I want to sit without anyone invading my personal space. There is enough space on your seat to keep your legs apart without occupying other seats. If I would keep my bag so that it occupies space on your seat too, you would complain, though I may sit more comfortably without holding it.

Anonymous · Answer

It's the typical kind of nonsense "issue" today's feminists manufacture in an effort to try to keep their movement alive in the western world when all the real issues have been resolved long ago. Feminism is dying in the West because it is no longer needed and no longer relevant. Things like "manspreading" are desperate attempts by feminist to keep their movement alive.

It is also just another thing that hate filled feminists like @Allie_Oops latch onto so they have a reason to spread their hatred for men. Anyone who has been on GAG long enough to read more than a few of her posts here knows exactly what I'm talking about.

Anonymous · Answer

To me that topic is annoying af. Do guys complain about girls/women with a heavy bust stretching their backs? NO! PLEASE, just let them sit how they‘re comfortable!

SkipStop · Answer

No it's not. It's a misandristic term created by feminists to demonize men. I would sue the police department and transit authority. If you think that it's a thing then so is Womanspreading

pageturner · Answer

It's a thing lol but women do it too and it's dumb to be arrested for it.

Grond21 · Answer

It's a complete made of word for radical feminist to attack men. There is no understanding taken for the delicate and sensitive balls that are hanging between our legs, and the ridiculous idea that it is better for us to have our legs closed. It is uncomfortable, and the higher temperature also makes the balls less productive in their sperm count.

Kaneki05 · Answer

Well i cannot sit any otherway on the bus and stuff cause my legs are too long.

So on the bus i do it all the time no matter who sits next to me. But i wouldn't do if i had enough room for my legs like the guy sat on the train in that imagie.

So yea and no.

jessture · Answer

Any women whining about this better not take up multiple seats with their shopping bags...

In case you are unaware ladies, men have a penis and testicles there. As a result our natual resting position of our legs is wider than yours. It takes muscles engaging, and testicles squishing, to not do that. It actually gets painful after awhile.

But yet again, women chastise men for our biology, but we are supposed to bend over backwards to accommodate theirs

Anonymous · Answer

I have no problem with it. Let men sit whichever way is more comfortable. If it's an issue of taking up more space, why isn't carrying shopping bags of being a larger size becoming as much of an issue? It's all ridiculous to be offended by this.
Besides, past boyfriends have all said that it is sore and/or difficult to sit with their legs closed together.

MascGirls · Answer

"Manspreading" is a stupid term with plenty of negative connotation. But yeah, sure, I guess guys spread their legs a little wide. So do I, actually - it's comfortable. Just don't be obnoxious about it.

anuragk033 · Answer

If there is no one i will sit comfortably but if there is someone standing I'll make room for them but some people are such a dick in public transport that they make their ass really fat when sitting like they have the biggest balls and ass which gonna take two seats to rest.. assholes 😡😒

FunkyMonkee · Answer

Some guys over-do it a lot, it's not exactly needed, I tend to try to keep `em closed but try sitting with your legs closed tight with a big Nerf ball in the crotch of your panties.
There's a video on YT of a guy asking girls to wear something that kinda resembles a dick and try to sit with their legs closed. Most have trouble doing it.

Aiko_E_Lara · Answer

I'm doing it right now because my balls hurt and I'm alone. No body does that in the buss. But we do spread our legs not being conscious if no one's beside us but we can close our legs when someone beside us is supporting it. They don't just stick on our groins. They literally get squished.

ThisIsMyOpinion · Answer

No it is not a real thing. When guys sit, and this is everywhere not just public transports, we sit we our legs slightly spread apart for confort reasons. Of course, if we need to close them to acomodate someone who is sitted next to us we will close them. We will be less confortable, but that person has to sit down. This is all I really don't see the issue

Anonymous · Answer

Yep. When im at home i manspread. I think it has to do with having testicles and narrower hips. I do not have testicles lmaooo but i have smaller hips and im a tomboy so i sometimes manspread. I dont do it to others in public though.

pattonias · Answer

This is one of the dumbest things out there. I think it's okay to a certain
extent. If you ask someone to move and they don't, then i see how that can be a problem. Also girls, there is this thing in between our legs that makes it very uncomfortable to sit with our legs closed.

inmensus · Answer

Yes, it's definitely a thing. I take public transportation everyday and I've seen a lot of guys doing it. But it's only a problem if once you ask them to sit properly, they say no. If there's enough space for you to sit comfortably, as long as you're not making other people uncomfortable, I don't see the problem.

Anonymous · Answer

I mean, yeah it's real and happens but men have balls... they need to make room for them. if women had them, we'd sit the exact same way.

elly91 · Answer

Oh come on that can't be a crime!! it's logical that men need more space...😂

Anonymous · Answer

Well unless he’s tiny men need to be comfortable you wouldn’t want them jewls to be crushed having to sit with legs closed I mean ouch. I don’t see what the issue is I even think if he has his legs crossed like a girl or can sit comfortably with his legs close together he is either really small down their or gay lol

WhoDatGuy · Answer

It's not like Mr manspread is taking up 2 seats or anything. Just another thing for feminists to moan about

CubsterShura · Answer

I'm not really sure if it's a thing but I do know that in public transportation ESPECIALLY the crowded ones it is just very rude to occupy so much space on your own. It could be appropriate in certain social settings as well.

MatinBrumeux · Answer

There's a difference between having relaxed legs with a few inches apart and that last photo. That last picture 100% is man-spreading and it's annoying as fuck.

cheer4life_xo · Answer

I went on a subway once with my friend and this guy was taking up two spaces plus his bag. I wasn’t standing so I asked him could he scoot over and he was annoyed but did it. Does your dick need that much room like if you see I’m looking for a seat it’s common courtesy 😒 this applies for females too putting your bag in an empty seat.

Anonymous · Answer

I think men should have a right to do that. I can't even really understand how men can even wear skinny jeans, and feel at least somewhat comfortable.

stellakay · Answer

Of course its a real thing, but if i had balls i wouldn't want them smushed between my thighs either.

IUdude · Answer

I try to watch it and stop spreading if I'm blocking someone. But yeah, like other dudes have said, we like have nuts that need room. Also, I have long legs and big feet, so gotta like spread.

Hannah591 · Answer

If they do it and make it difficult for someone to sit next to them, it's annoying but generally, I really don't care about this.

dontgofalling · Answer

If I'm in an empty train then I will take the pleasure of spreading my legs since that feels much more comfortable and natural.
But if I'm in an almost full train, I'll spread my legs until someone passes which might imply s/he wants to seat so I'll close them so s/he could have space as well.
And I don't get why girls don't do that as well to be honest... it's really comfortable!

Anonymous · Answer

I understand that due to anatomy guys need a little more space. But I've taken enough busy and packed transportation to notice men not even trying to make their space smaller and taking up way more than they need

MrKinktastic · Answer

First photo is pretty reasonable I think. Second is a bit much if he doesn’t know the girl next to him. It’s pretty unavoidable for most of us I think.

Matt57 · Answer

I try to keep my legs closed, but it is uncomfortable I think due to how my hips are constructed and my height. One leg is longer than the other, so one of my hips stick out a little bit. At least I don’t use public transport very much.

lightbulb27 · Answer

I do it all the time because my shoulders are wide and I like the support, but I'm not rude about it.  Arrested in NYC... lol!!! things they have to do to keep 20 million people peaceful!

thechesseman · Answer

My shoulders take up two seats. Is that man spreading if I don't cut off my arms before boarding public transportation?

Roxilicious · Answer

No this isn't a real thing don't men sit like that cuz they got a weewee? XD

SunnyCaliGirl · Answer

From what I have been told from many men themselves, men do that because they don't want to squish their balls. Just being real

Lgmswolf024 · Answer

They should be comfortable I understand that balls are there. But it's not like they are doing the splits on the seat (s). People will find a problem in anything

Christiangirl99 · Answer

No. As long as your legs are taking up the next seat it's all good.

worldscolide · Answer

It is but do you want to know what I see more often? Women taking up multiple seats with her bags and the like refusing to make room.. it's not as big of an issue as the idiotic feminists like you to believe.

JDavid25 · Answer

It's basically just a few women makin an issue out of guys doin what they always do.. Try not to destroy the family jewels..

JSmuve · Answer

Pfffff, everything needs a label doesn't it? Its just a term a bunch of angry women came up with to hate on men. I usually take up as much space as is available to me and I make no apologies about it.

gautam730 · Answer

And women take double seat by putting a handbag on the seat beside her , is it fair to blame now? Though i like to sit Legs open and Do adjust if there is less space

tartaarsaus · Answer

Sometimes some guys do indeed take up more than 1 place. And no, one does not need to squeeze your balls to avoid doing that.  Most of the times though, it doesn't happen

lanabug · Answer

I heard they do it because if they don't it'll squeeze their balls. I don't think it's a big deal.

Is "manspreading" a real thing?

Most Helpful Opinions

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said

Do you think mansplaining is real?

Is "manspreading" a real thing?

Most Helpful Opinions

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said

Do you think mansplaining is real?

We're glad to see you liked this post.