What does patronised mean?
Patronised is the past tense and past participle of patronise. In contemporary British English, its dominant sense is to treat someone with condescending superiority, as if one were speaking to a child or an inferior. A “patronised tone”, “patronised smile”, or “patronised attitude” usually suggests that the speaker is being patronising, and the word carries a critical, often mildly disapproving tone. An older, formal sense means to give patronage to someone or support them as a patron, as in patronising an artist or institution; this use is now much less common. The word is useful because it identifies not simply rudeness but a particular social dynamic in which apparent concern or assistance is shaped by assumed superiority. Its history reflects this contrast: it began with the positive idea of acting as a patron but later acquired the distinct meaning of addressing someone condescendingly.
To treat someone with condescending superiority; more formally and less commonly, to give someone patronage or support.
"She patronised the volunteers by refusing to explain the simplest instructions."
The condescending sense is dominant today. The older sense of providing patronage survives mainly in formal and literary contexts.
Displaying a condescending attitude toward someone, as though one were superior to them.
"His patronised smile made the apology seem insincere."
Usually negative and frequently used to characterise a tone, manner, or attitude.
What began as “acting as a patron” developed into a word for talking down to someone with a patronising air.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does patronised come from?
The word comes through French from Latin patronus, meaning “protector” or “defender”, which developed the senses of a patron, a sponsor, and someone who provides support. English initially used patronise in the sense of acting as a patron or giving patronage. Over time, it acquired the distinct sense of addressing or treating someone with condescending superiority.
Related word forms
How patronised is actually used
The modern sense of condescending treatment is much more frequent than the older, formal sense of providing patronage. It is generally critical or disapproving when applied to a person’s behaviour.
Easily confused with patronised
Patronized is the American spelling of the same word and has the same meanings as patronised.