The iconic internet insult 'Karen', used for years to label entitled and privileged women, is being officially retired by the youngest generation. Generation Z is now championing a new moniker: 'Jessica'. This linguistic shift marks a significant evolution in online culture and the slang used to describe specific social behaviours.
The Rise and Fall of the 'Karen'
For the better part of a decade, the term 'Karen' served as a prominent cultural shorthand. It typically described a woman perceived as acting in an excessively demanding, entitled, or privileged manner, often in customer service situations. The meme went viral in 2019, commonly associated with a specific aesthetic: an asymmetric bob haircut and the infamous phrase, 'I would like to speak to a manager'.
One of the most cited real-world examples was the incident involving Amy Cooper in New York's Central Park in 2020, which many saw as epitomising the 'Karen' stereotype. The term's popularity peaked around that time, becoming a staple of online discourse and social commentary.
'Jessica' Takes the Mantle in 2025
The transition began to gain serious traction on the video-sharing platform TikTok in July 2025. Users from Gen Z sparked debates about what the Millennial equivalent of a 'Karen' would be. While suggestions included names like 'Ashley' and 'Tiffany', a consensus began to form around 'Jessica' as the new go-to slang for a demanding or difficult woman.
This change is not happening in isolation. It is part of a broader wave of new Gen Z terminology that gained popularity around 2025. Other examples include:
- '6-7': A term originating from a Skrilla song.
- 'Locking in': Meaning to become focused or dedicated to a task.
- 'Crashing out': Referring to having an emotional outburst or losing control.
What This Linguistic Shift Means
The move from 'Karen' to 'Jessica' signifies more than just a change in name. It represents the natural cycle of internet slang, where terms become overused, lose their impact, or are reclaimed by new generations seeking their own identity. For Gen Z, adopting 'Jessica' distances their cultural commentary from that of Millennials, for whom 'Karen' was a defining label.
This evolution shows how online platforms like TikTok act as accelerators for language change, allowing new slang to spread globally in a matter of weeks. It also underscores the enduring need for a term to describe a specific type of social behaviour, even as the specific label evolves.
So, the next time you witness someone making unreasonable demands, the Gen Z verdict is clear: she's no longer a 'Karen'. You'd better tell the manager that 'Jessica' is now the 'it' name for people who complain.
