Gen Z have decided on new name for ‘Karens’ - it’s definitely surprising

It seems that the day of 'Karen' fatigue has finally dawned on us. After years of throwing the name about for any middle-aged woman who is rude or angry, Gen Z have apparently replaced it with something else entirely.

Any guesses?

First, let’s figure out why we need a new name for the Karens at all.

Surfacing on Reddit around 2018, the term Karen came about when internet users realised that it was often a certain type of person who always wanted to ‘speak to the manager’ or complain about something.

Generally, according to social media, what makes you a Karen is being rude to service staff, entitled, racist, problematic, as well as a stereotypically short haircut, chunky highlights and huge sunglasses.

"Can I speak to the manager?" (Getty Stock Image)

But since then, the supposed ‘criteria’ of what makes you a Karen became looser, less about age and looks and more about vibe. Specifically, just being rude with an unfair worldview. And that’s why the Millennial-aged version of Karen has been born.

Karen was a hugely popular name for Gen X women, but now the stereotype is so pervasive in mainstream Western culture that it seems very few babies are being called Karen anymore.

But as the name appears to slowly die out, the type of person doesn’t, so Gen Z have just given the stereotype a brand-new moniker.

And what is it? Jessica, apparently.

This development follows the increasing number of viral TikTok videos and comment threads where ‘Jessica’ seemingly becomes synonymous with a ‘Karen persona’.

How many times have you heard ‘Thanks, Jessica’ or ‘Not today, Jessica’, in sketches and real-life stories?

The iconic haircut, of course (Getty Stock Images)

One TikTok video received over 20,000 comments and seems to have become the source of much of this new name.

The agreement that Jessica = Karen seemed unanimous, with Ashley appearing to rival as second choice.

Why Jessica? Alongside it being a common name, and therefore clockable and easily adaptable for the meme, commenters took to the video to justify the decision.

One user claimed: "I’ve never met a pleasant Jessica."

Another said: "Ashley and Jessica. Been traumatized by both."

And a third declared: "Ashley and Jessica. Haven’t met one that doesn’t fit as a Karen."

Meanwhile, a user called Jessica responded: "PLEASE!! I'm a good person."

Whether it’s just because it’s a common name and therefore people are bound to have met an unpleasant Jessica at some point, we’re sorry to all the Jessicas out there! Maybe it’s time to go by Jess?