Karen entered the English language from Danish, where it has been a short form of "Katherine" since medieval times. It proceeded from the Greek word Aikaterine, which is believed to mean "pure." It became popular in the English-speaking world in the 1940s. The name Karen was one of the top 10 names for girls born in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s, peaking as the third most popular girl's name in 1965. Due to its increasingly common derogatory use since 2017, the name has become significantly less popular in the United States in recent years.
Karen is a proper name and should not be used otherwise. When used as slang to mean "bad" or "vile", feelings of anger, hate, and sadistic amusement are evoked and directed toward anyone with this name. The derogatory use of the name Karen started as a joke in current pop culture but it has been perpetuated to the point that the popularity of the name is in decline and some people who were given this noble name at birth have legally changed their name due to the stigma that is now attached. That's no longer a joke.
Karen is a proper name and should not be used otherwise. When used as slang to mean "bad" or "vile", feelings of anger, hate, and sadistic amusement are evoked and directed toward anyone with this name. The derogatory use of the name Karen started as a joke in current pop culture but it has been perpetuated to the point that the popularity of the name is in decline and some people who were given this noble name at birth have legally changed their name due to the stigma that is now attached. That's no longer a joke.
by Celtic Woman1 May 5, 2023
Get the Karenmug. by VileGay September 21, 2023
Get the Karate Karenmug. Those transphobes are so vocal and whiney about transgender people, that if there were a gender manager, they would ask to complain to them, or call 911 throwing a tantrum in their ignorant rage. Fucking Gender Karens!
by MattGaetzDiddlesKidsForMoney February 13, 2023
Get the Gender Karenmug. A man who refuses to mind his own business. Always worried about things that don't affect them whatsoever. Will even make up lies in hopes of trouble about a person who doesn't even ever communicate with them.
Robert Scott, a man in his 50's who works at a battery factory and often finds pleasure from objects in the anus, loves to snitch on people who don't associate with him. He often wants pleasure from other men in there 50's. Missing all of his teeth from the absurd amount of erect penis he has had in his mouth. Wow what a male Karen!
by Anonymousx2144 March 23, 2025
Get the Male Karenmug. A thoughtful woman, who always looks out for others her and helps those in need. She is cultured, sophisticated, and great company. Being in the company of a Karen is always a treat, so count yourself lucky if you work with one!
"Everyone's been miserable since Karen left. Work just isn't the same without her!"
"Life is nothing but bleak without a Karen in it".
"I once dated a Karen and she was the greatest thing that ever happened to me. Letting her go was the most foolish thing I have ever done!"
"If I could choose just one person to have as a dinner guest, it would have to be a Karen. She would bring such sophistication and intelligence to the evening."
"Everyone needs a Karen in their life. She always knows what's best and will guide you down the right path."
"Life is nothing but bleak without a Karen in it".
"I once dated a Karen and she was the greatest thing that ever happened to me. Letting her go was the most foolish thing I have ever done!"
"If I could choose just one person to have as a dinner guest, it would have to be a Karen. She would bring such sophistication and intelligence to the evening."
"Everyone needs a Karen in their life. She always knows what's best and will guide you down the right path."
by Mystery complimenter December 8, 2021
Get the Karenmug. by EinsMalte September 20, 2022
Get the Karenmug. Karen is a very lovely lady
by JaketheCat July 9, 2021
Get the Karenmug.