What's in a name?

Published: Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 10:15 am

Generation Z May Be Ditching "Karen" for "Jessica"

The internet slang term "Karen," used to describe women perceived as demanding or pushy, may be on its way out, according to recent surveys of online comments. Generation Z, those born after 1996, appears to be shifting towards "Jessica" as a replacement. However, concrete statistical evidence supporting this trend is currently unavailable.

The Microsoft-owned news aggregator, MS NOW, also reports that Generation Z has seemingly adopted "David" as the male equivalent of "Karen." The term "Ken" has been used by Millennials (born 1981-1996) to describe men exhibiting similar behaviors.

The "Karen" label gained prominence around 2020, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic and the George Floyd protests. The Guardian even declared 2020 the "year of the Karen."

While the future of "Jessica" remains uncertain, the lifespan of such terms is often short-lived. The author suggests that these labels can become over-politicized and counterproductive. The author also recalls the use of nicknames from their youth, some of which have endured for over half a century.

The author notes that the use of the "Karen" meme, as one writer observed, can be more about controlling behavior than describing it. The author's own experience with a lifelong nickname highlights the enduring nature of some monikers.

BNN's Perspective:

While the evolution of internet slang is interesting, it's important to remember that these terms are often fleeting and can be easily misused. Focusing on respectful communication and understanding is more important than getting caught up in the latest label.

Keywords: Karen, Jessica, David, Ken, Generation Z, Millennials, internet slang, nicknames, MS NOW, social media, online comments, trends, language

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