Surely it’s time to stop using “Karen” as an insult

I'm from Essex. I was around when Essex jokes started in the 80s; we were apparently thick loose women. When I introduced myself to people at university, one bloke asked me why my knickers weren't around my ankles.

I completely understand what it feels like to be stereotyped and insulted for something you can't help, like your name.

Karen, like the Essex girl stereotype is deeply misogynist. Of course it should end but unfortunately there are a lot of people who don't like women.

it usually means an assertive or unlikeable woman

As in, if you are an assertive woman, you must also be unlikeable.

It's not "or", it's "and".

If you don't have a penis, you can't have an opinion. Apparently.

It might be coincidence, but I've noticed 'Karen' being used a lot more all of a sudden, ever since Trump's inauguration. So-called progressive men are doing it at least as much as right wingers, and it usually means an assertive or unlikeable woman, not a racist.

I totally agree and have thought that from the first time I heard the insult used. It seems to be a negative statement to anyone with that name and that is unfair.

It was a woman called Amy Cooper. Her actions resulted in her being known as Central Park Karen.

She was called Central Park Karen because Karen was already a well established insult.

There are different theories about its origin. There was also a Reddit thread where a man, karmacop9, wrote abusively about his ex, 'Karen'.

A few years ago, 'Karen' did tend to refer to entitled (white) women, but during 2020 if not before, the meaning evolved to encompass all women who had an opinion someone didn't like. It's a put-down for all women.

It was someone's ex-wife originally. I think she was white, but it wasn't because she was racist.

Why do you think someone that is using Karen to name a type of behaviour they are trying to achieve something maybe they are just telling them I see you I know what you are about

Because they hate women over a certain age having an opinion?

The US uses Karen for a racist white woman.

The UK (and this is predominantly a site for people in the UK) uses it to shut women up who dare to have an opinion or make a complaint (even if the said complaint is justified).

Just what the world needs another slur for
women to add to the long list we already have 🙄🙄

Get a grip. I don't call people names.

It was a woman called Amy Cooper. Her actions resulted in her being known as Central Park Karen.

Even if she was called Karen what gives you the right to insult innocent women whose name just happens to be Karen for one woman’s actions?

if you’re interested in the impact this has on someone’s wellbeing you might want to read the following…

https://karenismyname.org/closerlook/entry/yes-theyre-ridiculing-women-named-karen

Meh. People calling others a "Karen" are just not very bright

Karen is simply the latest way to call a woman a bitch.

In my day, women were openly called bitches by men in a nasty way, was glad it was on it's way out but noticed this Karen trend, it's come back and women should stop saying it too.

It definitely is. I will speak up and raise my opinion. I have been called a Karen loads of times to try to shut me up.

what call our behaviour and attitude

oh yes that really works

Why do you think someone that is using Karen to name a type of behaviour they are trying to achieve something maybe they are just telling them I see you I know what you are about

Yeah you see it a lot on Reddit as well. They take it quite seriously - just having the Karen haircut is sus.

Woman + not young + not keeping her mouth shut = insane victimiser 😱

Can anyone give me a snappy retort I can use if I see someone use it?

I don't think it's a joke or funny at all. I never ever use it. I really like the name Karen, although it's not my own. I know a few lovely Karens and when I hear the name I think of them.

I think it's because a Karen was initially a white, middle aged, woman.

Yup hate it. Try to call it out when it's used but often ends with people being vile so pick my moments!

So why not just call the person a racist?

I agree with pp upthread who mentioned how many women seem to use it. I see it used quite frequently by women on our community Facebook page. I always used to say something, whether the insult came from a man or a woman, and I had a fair bit of support. But it's like pissing in the wind and I just can't be bothered anymore. Some people are just arseholes.

I lose respect for anyone using that term.

Oh dear. You really don't get it.

I disagree. If someone is racist, call them a racist. You don't achieve anything by using a name that is common to a particular sex and age group. It also suggests that only women over 45 are racist, which is patently ridiculous.

Also, it isn't used in that sense in the UK - it is used in an attempt to stop women over 45 having an opinion.

It's been time to stop using Karen as an insult since it was first used as an insult.

It's ageist and sexist, and really horrible if your name happens to be Karen (mine isn't, but I am from that era, so it could have easily been my name that was chosen).

I know someone who's called Karen but she pronounces it car-wren to try to get away from the lazy insult.

https://x.com/catturd2/status/1812207101235855734?t=r5SeU52bl6rAZE5ZzZg2rg&s=19

One of the top examples on Twitter right now.

This 'Karen of all Karens' isn't racist, and it looks like she isn't white either.

The person calling her a Karen is male.