What is a Karen?
A “Karen” is a term you might see on social media for someone who acts entitled or demanding. It’s often used to describe middle-aged white women with a specific hairstyle – think short, layered cuts.
Karens are known for:
- Asking to “speak to the manager”
- Making unreasonable complaints
- Showing rude behavior in public
The name became popular online as a way to call out privileged actions. You’ll see Karen memes and videos shared widely on platforms like Twitter and TikTok.
While it’s a stereotype, the term highlights issues of privilege in everyday situations.
How did the Karen meme start?
The Karen meme began on social media around 2017. You might’ve seen it used to describe entitled, demanding women who ask to “speak to the manager.”
It grew from earlier memes about a specific haircut and attitude. Reddit played a big role, with forums sharing stories about difficult customers.
By 2020, it went mainstream during social events, becoming shorthand for discussing privilege.
On platforms like X and TikTok, Karen videos went viral. People used the term to call out bad behavior they saw in public. The meme keeps evolving, now covering different situations where someone acts entitled.
How is “Karen” used today?
“Karen” has become a popular slang term on social media. You’ll often see it in memes and comments calling out entitled behavior. It’s used to describe someone who demands special treatment or complains excessively.
During the pandemic, “Karen” expanded to label those refusing to wear masks or follow guidelines. Videos of public confrontations got dubbed “Karen freakouts.”
The term critiques privilege and poor social conduct. You might see it applied to people arguing with service workers or making unreasonable demands.
While mainly used humorously, “Karen” also sparks serious discussions about stereotyping. Some view it as sexist or ageist.
You might find “Karen” used to comment on current events and social issues beyond just individual behavior.
Is there a male version of a Karen?
You’ve probably heard of “Karens” on social media. But what about their male counterparts? While there’s no single agreed-upon term, some popular options have emerged.
Names like “Kevin” are often used to describe men displaying similar entitled behaviors. These terms aim to call out perceived rudeness or unreasonable demands, just like “Karen” does for women.
On social platforms, you might see these male versions pop up in memes, comments, or stories about customer service nightmares. They’re used to highlight actions seen as overly aggressive or self-important.
Remember, these labels are generalizations and they’re the subject of a lot of controversy.