Having artificial or affected mannerisms; behaving in an excessively formal, pretentious, or stylized way. It can also refer to having particular manners (well-mannered, ill-mannered).
From the word 'manner' plus the suffix -ed, originally meaning 'having manners.' Over time, it developed a negative connotation of artificiality, suggesting behavior that is overly stylized or affected rather than natural.
Think of someone who is overly 'MANNERED' - they're so focused on proper manners that it becomes fake and theatrical. It's like watching someone practice their manners in a mirror - technically correct but unnaturally stiff. The key is the artificiality, not just politeness.
"Well-mannered" historically enforced feminized compliance (quiet, deferential, self-effacing) as virtue in women, while masculinity was freed from politeness norms. Word carries gendered class/deportment baggage.
Use "professional," "respectful," or "courteous" instead of "mannered," which defaults to feminized etiquette expectations. If referring to behavioral style, name it explicitly.
["respectful","courteous","composed","poised"]
Women's assertiveness and directness are not "unmannered"; they are honest communication. Resist using mannered/mannerly as a tool to suppress women's voices.
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