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

161 replies

Headabovetheparapets · 13/07/2024 23:04

Is it just me who feels that this use of the name Karen to imply unreasonable/stroppy/mean/spiteful behaviour has become Bullying?
And yes I am called Karen🤗 but whenever I see the name, along with Kevin, Sharon or Nigel used to describe ‘bad’ or ‘typical’ behaviour I feel rather sad.
I don’t think I’m generally difficult, to be honest I’m too lazy🤣🤣 & a big fan of live & let live. So the frequent references to ‘ Karen’ being nasty/mean/horrible are hard to hear & each time I do that sadness grows & I step that little bit further away to protect me.
so

AIBU it’s just a joke get over it
YANBU it is hard to constantly hear that your name means you’re mean

Somewhat lighthearted but writing this out makes me realise it really does hurt.

OP posts:

systemicmotivations · 13/07/2024 23:17

Yep it is awful. My sister is called Karen and genuinely considering legally changing her name as she's sick of feeling awkward whenever she has to give her name anywhere. She feels she is automatically treated like she'll complain when actually she's the sweetest kindest hearted soul you could imagine. Karen is such a lovely name and the trend of dragging the name through the mud for 'likes' has got to stop. There was a post earlier tonight with a poster who stated they were howling at the Karen comments because her MIL is called Karen. Would love to know if she's bothered asking her MIL how she'd feel about the DIL howling at her name being used so cruelly.

alwaysmovingforwards · 13/07/2024 23:16

I’m not called Karen, but I do agree it’s a very derogatory and should be stopped.

Thepeopleversuswork · 13/07/2024 23:16

It is a horrible and misogynistic insult. I have to confess it still gives me a private chuckle because my next door neighbour from hell who caused me years of distress and trauma was called Karen (and was a textbook Karen). But objectively yes it’s nasty and should be retired.

JamSandle · 13/07/2024 23:13

It's sexist, ageist and has racial undertones. I'm not a fan.

ATribeCalledQuestion · 13/07/2024 23:13

It's awful. I hate it.

HousedInMySoul · 13/07/2024 23:12

It's become a really nasty misogynistic, ageist insult. It needs to go back to being just a name again. We need to reclaim it!!
(disclaimer: I'm not called Karen, but am of the age where I know a lot of karens who are my contemporaries)

mumsince2021 · 13/07/2024 23:11

I haven't heard it used much recently so was hoping most people had moved on from it but I completely agree it's annoying and a big part is because it's also my name. It's hard not to be frustrated when it's your name being used to represent negativity and also makes to seem like you are one of them purely based on a name you didn't pick. This post probably isn't helping us as it's bringing it to more people's attention again 😅

StSwithinsDay · 13/07/2024 23:11

It's appalling. And I'm glad MNHQ delete any posts referring to people as Karens. Could say the same about posters referring to Jan, Sharon, Nigel and Dave. My neighbour's 12 year old dd has asked to be called Kara instead of Karen.

stayathomer · 13/07/2024 23:10

Hate the term. Yes totally time it goes!

Wolfiefan · 13/07/2024 23:09

Yep. It’s horrid and should be challenged.

ChoccieCornflake · 13/07/2024 23:09

It's a misogynistic insult used mostly to silence women. It's absolutely time that people got called out for using it

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