Karen
Pronunciation
/ˈkɛɹən/

Definition & Meaning of "Karen"in English

Karen
01

an entitled, demanding, often middle-aged white woman who complains aggressively and expects special treatment

Karen definition and meaning
Offensive
Slang

What is the origin of the term "Karen" and how is it used?

"Karen" is a slang term that emerged in the 2010s, primarily in internet memes and social media, to describe an entitled, demanding, often middle-aged white woman who complains aggressively and expects special treatment. The name was chosen as a stereotypical, common female name in the U.S., and it became a shorthand for a recognizable pattern of behavior rather than a specific person. It is widely used in online culture, news commentary, and casual conversation to mock or criticize behavior perceived as privileged or unreasonable. The term is derogatory and context-dependent: while often humorous, it can be offensive if applied personally.

Examples
A Karen was yelling at the cashier over a coupon.
02

the Tibeto-Burman language spoken in the Thailand and Burmese borderlands

Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Abstract
Composition
Simple
Uncountable
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