# Resolved, that using "karen" as a pejorative is off limits **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [July 23, 2023, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-that-using-karen-as-a-pejorative-is-off-limits/987430 "2023-07-23T21:48:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 12
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2023, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-that-using-karen-as-a-pejorative-is-off-limits/987430/221 "2023-08-07T20:42:45Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > So you are saying using a useless term is fine if it only hurts a _few_ women, eh? Others find it useful, because if describes in what way a person is being an asshole. Now, if a significant percentage of women named Karen said it effected them in a bad way, I would most likely change my mind. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2023, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-that-using-karen-as-a-pejorative-is-off-limits/987430/222 "2023-08-07T20:45:21Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > How many? How many women find “bitch” hurtful? Or C\*\*t? But we still dont allow those words to be used as a pejorative towards women. There is no need to count what is obviously wrong. > [@Czarcasm](#): > > Others find it useful, because if describes in what way a person is being an asshole. “entitled asshole” does the same, and it isnt sexist or bigoted. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2023, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-that-using-karen-as-a-pejorative-is-off-limits/987430/223 "2023-08-07T20:48:32Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > How many women find “bitch” hurtful? Or C\*\*t? Not pertinent to this particular subject, but I would say a very significant percentage of women find those terms offensive. How many women that you know named Karen are offended by the use of that term? ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2023, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-that-using-karen-as-a-pejorative-is-off-limits/987430/224 "2023-08-07T20:50:42Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > “entitled asshole” does the same, and it isnt sexist or bigoted. An Ivy Leage graduate can be an entitled asshole, but if you used the term it wouldn’t bring to mind the actions and words found in various “Karen” videos. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2023, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-that-using-karen-as-a-pejorative-is-off-limits/987430/225 "2023-08-07T20:55:19Z")
As long as were doing anecdotes: All of the women named Karen I know, who have mentioned the term, would prefer that it not exist but otherwise don’t really care. ---
**Author:** ![Kron](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kron/32/12444_2.png) [@Kron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kron)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2023, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-that-using-karen-as-a-pejorative-is-off-limits/987430/226 "2023-08-07T21:00:53Z")
Resolved: This is possibly one of the most eyeroll-inducing threads I’ve ever seen on the Dope. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2023, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-that-using-karen-as-a-pejorative-is-off-limits/987430/227 "2023-08-07T21:03:07Z")
That’s a real dick thing to say. We should take all this sort of tomfoolery and flush it right down the john. Then Bob’s your uncle. Seriously there @Kron, I think you nailed it. I’ve resolved to drop off this thread several times but the petty overweening outrage just keeps calling me back for another bite at the poisoned apple. I’m impressed we (including me) haven’t derailed it yet from ATMB decorum to Pit-worthy anti-decorum. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2023, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-that-using-karen-as-a-pejorative-is-off-limits/987430/228 "2023-08-07T22:19:50Z")
I apologize if the article is paywalled. It discusses the consequences of using words like junkie, alcoholic, addict, elder, Latinx and many others. It concludes: (Excerpt from _The Atlantic_, linked above) _Denouncing other people’s terminology as harmful, and demanding that others adopt your own, can be intoxicating—to the point that submitting such disputes to empirical tests can feel like a bit of a comedown. But making these judgments in a rigorous, fact-based way would prevent experts, policy makers, and the general public from being distracted by something easy—arguing about words—when we need to focus on doing something much harder: solving massive social problems. A shared commitment to evidence provides a way to resolve upsetting disagreements that can otherwise fester forever, while opening up chances to learn when we have in fact caused harm and genuinely need to treat others better._ ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2023, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-that-using-karen-as-a-pejorative-is-off-limits/987430/229 "2023-08-08T00:41:50Z")
> [@Kron](#): > > Resolved: This is possibly one of the most eyeroll-inducing threads I’ve ever seen on the Dope. This post is insulting to people with disorders that cause uncontrollable eye rolling. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2023, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-that-using-karen-as-a-pejorative-is-off-limits/987430/230 "2023-08-08T02:35:58Z")
Such people would find the Dope discombobulating. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2023, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-that-using-karen-as-a-pejorative-is-off-limits/987430/231 "2023-08-08T03:04:23Z")
Until I see confirmed numbers of real ladies named Karen and their opinions I am thinking this thread is a real nothing burger. Again…it’s a meme. No one cares, really. It will go away, eventually. And Bob don’t wanna be my uncle. It’s hurtful to him. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Bravo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_bravo/32/493_2.png) [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2023, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-that-using-karen-as-a-pejorative-is-off-limits/987430/232 "2023-08-08T03:15:42Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > this thread is a real nothing burger. I had no idea you held [American jurisprudence i](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warren_E._Burger)n such low regard. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2023, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-that-using-karen-as-a-pejorative-is-off-limits/987430/233 "2023-08-08T13:33:40Z")
> [@Kron](#): > > Resolved: This is possibly one of the most eyeroll-inducing threads I’ve ever seen on the Dope Eye-roll-inducing, bordering on cringeworthy. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2023, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-that-using-karen-as-a-pejorative-is-off-limits/987430/234 "2023-08-08T14:31:43Z")
Maybe he’s discombobulated too. ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2023, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-that-using-karen-as-a-pejorative-is-off-limits/987430/235 "2023-08-08T15:33:54Z")
I think it’s for the best if the mods just closed this asinine thread. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2023, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-that-using-karen-as-a-pejorative-is-off-limits/987430/236 "2023-08-08T16:07:18Z")
@Superdude you’re being a “super dude” again!! 😊 ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2023, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-that-using-karen-as-a-pejorative-is-off-limits/987430/237 "2023-08-08T18:08:50Z")
I know that the fine @Superdude is unrelated to the now long-gone and only occasionally lamented @Super_Kapowzler, but somehow this > [@Superdude](#): > > I think it’s for the best if the mods just closed this asinine thread. just screams for SK’s trademark treatment: > I think it’s for the best if the mods just closed this asinine thread … 'an shit. Any other old-timers agree w me? I just checked and he’s been gone 10-3/4ths years. Wow!. ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2023, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-that-using-karen-as-a-pejorative-is-off-limits/987430/238 "2023-08-08T18:17:24Z")
I feel so old. And shit. ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2023, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-that-using-karen-as-a-pejorative-is-off-limits/987430/239 "2023-08-08T18:25:45Z")
I’d love to say that my post was an homage to our long-departed colleague, but that was just an eerie coincidence. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2023, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-that-using-karen-as-a-pejorative-is-off-limits/987430/240 "2023-08-08T18:28:15Z")
> [@Dr\_Paprika](#): > > Denouncing other people’s terminology as harmful, and demanding that others adopt your own, can be intoxicating—to the point that submitting such disputes to empirical tests can feel like a bit of a comedown. But making these judgments in a rigorous, fact-based way would prevent experts, policy makers, and the general public from being distracted by something easy—arguing about words Yeah, nice idea but here on the SDMB we already argue about words, and have sorta banned several for the same reason. This, by no means is a good reason to not sorta kinda ban karen as a pejorative, this is an argument that the SDMB shouldnt ban any words. However, that ship has sailed. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-that-using-karen-as-a-pejorative-is-off-limits/987430.md?page=11) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-that-using-karen-as-a-pejorative-is-off-limits/987430.md?page=13)