What does "a Karen" mean?

Just read an article in a newspaper regarding a court case where the judge took exception to somebody describing a woman as "a Karen" - obviously her name wasn't Karen.

This must be a thing but never heard it before. What does it mean?

This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »

KarenisKenziesmum · 51-55, F

It's a name given to girls who grow up to be nice, sensible and civilised. For more details, see this:

https://www.thebump.com/b/karen-baby-name

LamontCranston · M

@KarenisKenziesmum It is too bad that such a regal name has been highjacked for use as a pejorative term.

KarenisKenziesmum · 51-55, F

@LamontCranston Whose idea was that anyway? Who was the Karen it was named after? Was it a character in a movie or something?

Oh, by the way, the word is "hijacked".

LamontCranston · M

@KarenisKenziesmum While I will be sure to spell it as you wish in further conversations with you, Karen, my spelling is actually a recognized older variant of "hijacked". (By the way, ialways use "glamour" instead of "glamor" even though I'm American because I think it looks more glamorous.)
ChatGpt has a good history of the use of Karen but says there is no identifiable originator.
Very best regards and I'd be happy to chat if you'd like.