patronize
What does "patronize" mean?
To patronize someone is to treat them with an apparent kindness or helpfulness that actually conveys a sense of superiority. The mental image is of someone looking down from a high pedestal, offering assistance not as an equal, but as a benefactor to a person they deem less capable or intelligent. While the word can simply mean to be a regular customer at a business, it is most commonly used in its negative sense to describe condescending behavior. It is often used to describe interactions where one person ignores the expertise of another, assuming they need things explained in overly simple terms.
"patronize" in conversation
Work feedback
I appreciate your input, but please don't patronize me; I've been doing this job for years.
I appreciate your input, but please don't patronize me; I've been doing this job for years.
I didn't mean to come across that way, I just thought you might need a refresher.
I didn't mean to come across that way, I just thought you might need a refresher.
Used here to defend one's professional competence.
Dining out
Are you sure you want the spicy curry? It might be a bit too much for you.
Are you sure you want the spicy curry? It might be a bit too much for you.
I'm perfectly capable of reading the menu, thank you.
I'm perfectly capable of reading the menu, thank you.
The waiter's unsolicited advice is perceived as patronizing.
"patronize" in a sentence
Don't patronize me like I'm a child.
Don't patronize me like I'm a child.
He has a patronizing tone that makes everyone in the room feel uncomfortable.
He has a patronizing tone that makes everyone in the room feel uncomfortable.
She resented his patronizing attempts to simplify complex economic theories for her benefit.
She resented his patronizing attempts to simplify complex economic theories for her benefit.
