Did you know that Karen is a slang term for someone who’s demanding beyond the scope of what they deserve? This new definition has been circulating around online, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. If this word sounds foreign to you, here are some quick facts: Wikipedia defines it as “a pejorative term for a person perceived to be entitled or demanding beyond the scope of what is considered appropriate or necessary.” There’s a good chance you’ve encountered at least one guy Karen in your life. But who, exactly, is a male version of Karen? And what unique nickname can we bestow on him?
Is “Ken” the male version of a Karen?
In a recent viral story, two people called the cops on an Asian-American doctor, Khoa Lam, who was just visiting his parents at their housing complex. The man had recorded the entire encounter because he sensed another Karen on the loose after being accosted by the woman. Shortly afterward, he was approached by a man talking to police over the phone and he called the man a “Ken” for his actions. So, is he the male version of Karen?
Mark and Patricia McCloskey were a St. Louis lawyer couple who used their guns to protect themselves against possible home invaders during the protests that happened outside of their own house. The internet went wild over a picture of two, dubbing them as Ken and Karen. The photo was turned into many hilarious memes depicting it as everything from movie posters to loading screens for Grand Theft Auto.
But is that what the male version of a Karen really is?
What is the name of Ken? It seems like the “Ken” moniker has certainly stuck for a lot of people, but there are still many who haven’t decided. This Reddit post discusses this sociological issue and shows that not everyone agrees on what his real name should be.
User The1_BlueX seems to think that “Frank” is the right term. Personally, I don’t think that it fits and there could be some personal bias here, but some of their logic is listed below:
Frank is a man who loves to show off his Silverado truck. He often drives around town with it, pulling his boat behind him as people admire the muscle of this vehicle and wonder what kind of person he must be if he can afford such a car. Despite their admiration though, everyone knows that Frank just wants attention from others.
Frank is the loud, football-obsessed guy who hits on waitresses at family dinners. He loves Alabama despite never having driven through it and constantly complains about millennials to anyone within earshot.”
However, there were several people who believe that the male version of a Karen is, indisputably, a “Richard.” And they’ve offered up some pretty compelling reasons why. Like __Miguel_’s description below:
A man walks into a room wearing white wifebeaters, loose baggy jeans that are at least halfway down their ass, and sunglasses. The sun is not even out yet! While Karen seems like she would make a great mother, Richard is completely disinterested in caring for the kids. If he tried to care about them it might work but since his main focus right now is getting high and staying that way he doesn’t notice when they leave or if they were ever there at all.
Some people swear it’s Chad, others say Brad or Brian. I’ve even heard that it’s Karlos (not sure about the spelling). This tweet below is a succinct and infallible case for why Ken has gained more attention recently:
In other words, a Steve, a Kunal, a Karan, a Vlad, a Peter, or a Greg could be the male version of Karen. The main point is that he is in your vicinity! We’re also criticizing his feeling of entitlement and privilege.