karen

What it means

A stereotype of an entitled, demanding person (typically a middle-aged woman) who throws tantrums over minor issues and loves to 'speak to the manager.' It's used to call out aggressive, privileged, or unreasonable public behavior.

Examples

• A Karen yelled at the barista over oat milk.
• Don't be a Karen about the parking spot.
• She went full Karen and demanded a refund.
• Some Karen called the cops over a lemonade stand.

Where it comes from

A meme name that crystallized around 2017–2020 on Reddit and Twitter to caricature entitled customer behavior. Viral videos of public confrontations during 2020 cemented 'Karen' in the mainstream.

Related slang