noun

Karen

KA-ruhn

noun

A slang term, often used mockingly, for an entitled woman — typically a middle-aged white woman — who makes unreasonable demands or complains disproportionately, often targeting people with less social power than her.

"The video showed a Karen demanding to see the manager over a minor pricing mistake."

"Online, "Karen" became shorthand for anyone who escalates a small inconvenience into a scene."

A member of the Karen people, an ethnic group from Myanmar and Thailand, or their language.

"The refugee centre offered translation services in Karen for new arrivals."

How to Use Karen

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishInternet slang for a woman seen as unreasonably demanding or quick to complain, especially to authority figures.

Common mistake

Don't confuse this slang sense with the ordinary given name Karen, or with the unrelated Karen ethnic group of Myanmar and Thailand.

When to use it

Very informal and often considered pejorative or mocking; avoid in formal writing.

Word Forms

Karens plural, Karens plural, Karen plural

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The video showed a _____ demanding to see the manager over a minor pricing mistake.

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.

Rhymes for Karen

Maren Daren McLaren McClaren

See all rhymes for Karen →