Karen

/ˈkɛərən/
nounIntermediate
informalslang

a stereotypical middle-aged white woman who is perceived as entitled, demanding, and often confrontational in public settings

The Karen in the parking lot yelled at the teenager for parking too close to her car.

A woman who was perceived as overly aggressive and entitled in a minor dispute.

He called her a Karen after she insisted on speaking to the manager about a minor issue.

Labeling someone as a Karen implies they are being overly demanding or entitled.

💡

The term is often used to describe women who exhibit entitled or aggressive behavior in public, though it is considered a stereotype and can be seen as derogatory.

Collocations

Karen momenta situation where someone behaves like a KarenKaren haircuta short, layered hairstyle often associated with the stereotype

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

Karen momentphrase
a situation where someone behaves like a Karen
Karen haircutphrase
a short, layered hairstyle often associated with the stereotype

💡Pro Tip

Avoid offensive usage

The term can be seen as derogatory, so use it cautiously and be aware of its potential to offend.

Gold Rule

Context matters

The term is most commonly used in informal or online contexts to describe a specific stereotype.

📖Word Origin

The term originated in the early 2000s as an internet meme and stereotype, popularized by social media and viral videos of women behaving in entitled or aggressive ways.

📝Usage Notes

The term is often used in a derogatory or mocking manner and can be seen as offensive. It is primarily used in informal or online contexts.

English Dictionary