Why “Karen” is fading
Gen Z has picked a new name for the millennial “Karen.”
The old label has made “Karen” a rare baby name.
In the US, 331 baby girls were named Karen in 2023.
It is seen as almost extinct, suggesting near-zero for 2024.
What “Karen” means online
The nickname was first coined in 2020.
It describes a middle-class woman linked to privilege.
A “Karen” may ask for the manager at a restaurant.
They may share anti-vaccination ideas or cause public scenes.
Who complains the most
A study of Tripadvisor reviews says the top complainer is “David.”
Davids left the most negative reviews overall.
Men were 131% more likely to complain online than women.
Paul ranked close behind David.
John, Mark, Chris, James, Michael, Andrew and Peter followed.
Sarah was the first woman listed, at number ten.
How people reacted
Writer and podcaster Karen Geier told The Guardian it is annoying.
“I spend a lot of time on Twitter, so I find it rather annoying.”
“Anything you say, people can be like, ‘OK, well, whatever, KAREN’.”
“It’s supposed to be about people who want to speak to the manager.”
Others brushed it off, saying: “I don’t mind the meme. It’s not me.”
Gen Z’s new “Karen” name
A viral TikTok clip now has over 40k likes.
The user said: “We will pick our own Karen.”
She listed Ashley, Brittany, Heather, Amber, Tiffany, Jessica, Nicole, Becky, or Kelsey.
Comments backed one name most: Jessica.
One TikTok user said: “I’ve never met a pleasant Jessica.”
Another added: “Haven’t met one that doesn’t fit as a Karen.”
Jessica users pushed back in the comments.
“PLEASE!! I’m a good person,” one Jessica wrote.