English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com

Karen

The origin and history of Karen.

Etymology

As a slang term, popularized in the 2010s from the given name Karen, which was especially common among women born in the mid-20th century; the mocking usage spread widely through African-American Vernacular English and internet culture.

· First attested 2010

Class of 2010

Karen first entered the language around 2010. Other words from the same year:

See the full Class of 2010 →
← Back to the full definition of Karen
Etymology: FreeDict original editorial.