Keyed-up Karens across the UK are fighting back after their name became the butt of jokes online.
The moniker has gone viral on social media, being used to depict a passive-aggressive, judgmental woman who is rude, quick to complain, often racist – and usually white and middle-aged.
It surged during Black Lives Matter protests, when videos were circulated of white women – labelled Karens – clashing with demonstrators.
But angry Karens are now demanding “respect” in a series of online petitions.
Karen Button, from Wallingford, Oxfordshire, said she has “had enough”.
She said being associated with women “who are racist or not law abiding is upsetting and unfair”.
Another Karen wrote: “We are not Medusa-like beings or fire-breathing dragons.
"And WE ARE DEFINITELY NOT RACIST!!”
She added she is not privileged and does not have a bad hairdo – other traits mocked in internet memes.
A third Karen wrote: “My parents gave me this name out of love.
"I refuse to change it because of cruel people on the internet.”
The name consistently ranked in the top 10 in England and Wales between 1960 and 1975.
But it has lost popularity in recent years, with just 21 UK babies named Karen in 2018.
Harry Potter author JK Rowling was labelled “a Karen” after saying young gay people were being “shunted” towards hormones and transgender surgery.
Some argue negative use of Karen is steeped in sexism, as it demonises opinionated and assertive women.
Days before Jess Phillips was appointed Shadow Minister for Domestic Violence and Safeguarding, more than 11,000 people liked a tweet calling her Shadow Karen Minister.
Some online posts refer to the Ku Klux Karen, linking the name to the white supremacy group.
Susan, Janet and Sharon are also used negatively – while Becky depicts a privileged white girl ignorant about current affairs.
One Karen petition has 120 signatures on change.org.
