How ‘Karen’ spread
Conaill Corner reported this story.
It ran at 13:35 on 07 January 2026.
The term “Karen” blew up online in 2020.
It spread during COVID-19 and the George Floyd protests.
The Guardian called 2020 “the year of Karen.”
It often means an entitled, middle-class woman.
Why critics object
However, the label has drawn heavy criticism.
Some call it racist, s**ist, ageist, and classist.
Hadley Freeman said it became about “telling women to shut up.”.
Julie Bindel questioned the term as woman-hating and class-based.
Impact on the name
Meanwhile, real-life Karens report bullying and mockery.
One study linked the abuse to worse mental health.
About 23 percent reported verbal threats over the name.
Seven percent reported physical assaults after people learned it.
Gen Z picks Jessica
Now, Gen Z is pushing new labels for millennial “Karens.”
A TikTok clip on the debate passed 40,000 likes.
She listed Ashley, Brittany, Heather, and Amber.
She also listed Tiffany, Jessica, Nicole, Becky, and Kelsey.
Commenters backed one name most: Jessica.
Data points to David
Also, 2023 data suggests men complain more online.
Pedestrian said Trustpilot reviewed complaint-heavy one-star posts.
The name tied most to one-star reviews was David.
Only one woman’s name made the top 10 list.
Sarah ranked seventh, while Emma appeared at position 14.