noun Common

Karen

KA-ruhn

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Karen (noun) means 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. Example: “The video showed a Karen demanding to see the manager over a minor pricing mistake.”

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.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: Karens

Test yourself on “Karen” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

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.

· First attested 2010

Class of 2010 Karen joined the language around 2010.

based bazooka Becky catfish Chad

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Synonyms

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Karenic

Rhymes for Karen

Maren Daren McLaren McClaren

See all rhymes for Karen →

Frequently asked questions

What does “Karen” mean?

The word “Karen” means 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. In plain terms, internet slang for a woman seen as unreasonably demanding or quick to complain, especially to authority figures.

How do you pronounce “Karen”?

“Karen” is pronounced KA-ruhn (/ˈkæɹən/ in IPA).

How do you use “Karen” in a sentence?

Here is “Karen” used in a sentence: “The video showed a Karen demanding to see the manager over a minor pricing mistake.”

What part of speech is “Karen”?

“Karen” is a noun.

Where does the word “Karen” come from?

The word “Karen” dates back to around 2010.

Is “Karen” a common word?

“Karen” is a fairly common word in modern English.

How many meanings does “Karen” have?

“Karen” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: 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.

Is calling someone a Karen offensive?

Yes — as slang, Karen is a mocking, insulting label rather than a neutral description. It is typically aimed at a woman seen as entitled, making unreasonable demands or complaining out of proportion, and directing it at someone is likely to be taken as an insult. It is also worth remembering that Karen remains an ordinary given name and the name of an ethnic group.

What kind of behavior gets someone called a Karen?

The slang label is applied to someone — stereotypically a middle-aged white woman — who makes unreasonable demands, complains disproportionately, or targets people with less social power, such as service staff. Demanding to 'speak to the manager' over a trivial issue is the classic example in popular use.

Who are the Karen people?

The Karen are an ethnic group from Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand, and Karen also refers to their language. This use is completely unrelated to the slang term and long predates it. In careful writing, context should make clear which sense is meant.

Is Karen capitalized when used as slang?

Usually, yes. Because the slang use comes from the given name, it is generally written with a capital K: 'she was acting like a Karen'. Some informal writing lowercases it, but dictionaries that cover the term generally show it capitalized.

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