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Gen Z coins a new nickname for Karens

For years, ‘Karen’ has been used to describe a woman who behaves in an entitled and privileged way — For years, ‘Karen’ has been used to describe a woman who behaves in an entitled and privileged way (Getty Images)

The term “Karen,” used to describe entitled and privileged women, has been a prominent insult for the past decade, peaking in popularity around 2020.
The viral meme originated in 2019, featuring a woman with an asymmetric bob and the phrase “I would like to speak to a manager,” with Amy Cooper's incident in Central Park serving as a notable example.
Generation Z is now replacing 'Karen' with 'Jessica' as the new slang term for demanding women, with the concept gaining traction on TikTok in July 2025.
TikTok users debated the Millennial equivalent of a “Karen,” with many agreeing on “Jessica,” while others suggested names like “Ashley” or “Tiffany.”
This shift in slang occurs amidst other popular Gen Z terms like '6-7' (from a Skrilla song), 'locking in' (focused), and 'crashing out' (emotional outburst), all gaining popularity around 2025.

Karen is no longer the ‘it’ name for people who complain - someone better tell the manager — In full