> Also, why a special term? Why not just call them mansions? Because they do share characteristics distinctive from large homes (e.g. mansions). The wikipedia

> Also, why a special term? Why not just call them mansions? Because they do share characteristics distinctive from large homes (e.g. mansions). The wikipedia article takes a nice crack at it, "The term 'McMansion' is generally used to denote a new, or recent, multi-story house of no clear architectural style,[8] which prizes superficial appearance, and sheer size, over quality." Or in other words, conspicuous consumption without commensurate quality.