karen

word

/ˈkɛɹən/
KAIR-uhn
/ˈkeərən/
KAIR-uhn

Definition

Karen is a slang term for a woman who is seen as entitled, rude, or overly demanding, especially toward workers or in public situations. It is also a common female first name.

Usage & Nuances

Very informal internet slang, often insulting. Common in phrases like 'a total Karen' or 'don't be a Karen.' Be careful: it can sound sexist or unfair, and using it about a real person named Karen may be awkward. In many contexts, it refers more to behavior than age or social group.

Spanish: Karen (persona entrometida y exigente) - Karen (nombre propio)Portuguese (BR): Karen (pessoa intrometida e exigente) - Karen (nome próprio)Portuguese (PT): Karen (pessoa intrometida e exigente) - Karen (nome próprio)Chinese (Simplified): Karen(爱管闲事又爱摆架子的人)- Karen(人名)Chinese (Traditional): Karen(愛管閒事又愛擺架子的人)- Karen(人名)Hindi: कैरन (हुक्म चलाने वाली और बेहद मांग करने वाली औरत, बोलचाल) - कैरन (नाम)Arabic: كارِن (امرأة متسلطة وكثيرة الشكوى، بالعامية) - كارِن (اسم علم)Bengali: কেরেন (ব্যঙ্গার্থে ব্যবহৃত কোনো দাবি ও অভদ্র মহিলা) - কারেন (নাম)Russian: Кэрен (пренебрежительно о требовательной женщине) - Карен (имя)Japanese: カレン(横柄な女性のネットスラング) - カレン(女性の名前)Vietnamese: Karen (chỉ phụ nữ hay đòi hỏi, cư xử thô lỗ) - Karen (tên riêng)Korean: 카렌 (무례하거나 특권의식 있는 여성에 대한 속어) - 카렌 (이름)Turkish: Karen (hakkını fazlasıyla isteyen, kaba kadın için argo) - Karen (kadın ismi)Urdu: کیرن (بدتمیز، خودخواہ یا مطالباتی عورت کے لیے اصطلاح) - کیرن (نام)Indonesian: Karen (từ lóng chỉ phụ nữ đòi hỏi, vô lễ) - Karen (tên phụ nữ)

Example Sentences

The woman at the store was acting like a Karen.

basic

Please don't call her a Karen just because she complained.

basic

My teacher's name is Karen.

basic

He posted the video online, and everyone in the comments called her a Karen.

natural

I asked to speak to the manager, and now I feel like such a Karen.

natural

Don't be a Karen—the waiter is doing his best.

natural