Karen is a term used as slang typically for a middle-classwhite american woman who is perceived as entitledor excessively demanding beyond the scope of what is considered to be normal behavior and decorum.[1] The term is often portrayed in memes depicting middle-class white women who "use their white and class privilegeto demand their own way".[1][2] Depictions include demanding to "speak to the manager", being racist, or wearing a particular bob cut hairstyle.[3] It was popularized in the aftermath of the Central Park birdwatching incident in 2020.[2]
The term has been considered pejorative by those who believe it is racist, sexist, ageist, classist, and controlling women's behavior.[3] The term has occasionally been applied to male behavior.[3][4]