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If you’ve been on social media in the past few years, you’ve probably come across memes about “Karens.” But what exactly does this term mean, and what does it mean when someone says “don’t be a Karen”? If you’re looking for the answers to these questions, you’re in the right place. We’ll go over what “don’t be a Karen” means and where the term comes from. We’ve also included examples of Karen behavior, how to deal with Karens, and how to respond if someone calls you a “Karen.” Keep reading for everything you need to know!
What does “don’t be a Karen” mean?
“Karen” is a slang term for someone who acts rude, demanding, or entitled, especially toward service industry workers. It usually refers to an affluent white woman who uses her privilege to get her way. If someone says “don’t be a Karen,” they’re likely calling you out for this type of behavior and warning you to stop.
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References
- ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/e/slang/karen/
- ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/e/slang/karen/
- ↑ https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/speak-to-the-manager-haircut
- ↑ https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/karen
- ↑ https://www.fastcompany.com/90522366/ken-and-karen-the-wealthy-couple-who-pulled-guns-on-protesters-inspired-some-genius-memes
- ↑ https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/karen
- ↑ https://time.com/5857023/karen-meme-history-meaning/
- ↑ https://hls.harvard.edu/today/deconstructing-the-karen-meme/
- ↑ https://hls.harvard.edu/today/deconstructing-the-karen-meme/
- ↑ https://time.com/5857023/karen-meme-history-meaning/
- ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/e/slang/karen/
- ↑ https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/karen
- ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/e/slang/karen/
- ↑ https://time.com/5857023/karen-meme-history-meaning/
- ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/e/slang/karen/
- ↑ https://hls.harvard.edu/today/deconstructing-the-karen-meme/
- ↑ https://time.com/5857023/karen-meme-history-meaning/
- ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurabegleybloom/2021/07/30/complaining-karens-report-reveals-where-youll-find-the-most-karens-in-america/
- ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurabegleybloom/2021/07/30/complaining-karens-report-reveals-where-youll-find-the-most-karens-in-america/
- ↑ https://time.com/5857023/karen-meme-history-meaning/
- ↑ https://time.com/5857023/karen-meme-history-meaning/
- ↑ https://www.colorado.edu/linguistics/2023/04/14/evolving-pejoration-karen
- ↑ https://www.colorado.edu/linguistics/2023/04/14/evolving-pejoration-karen