The 'Karen' meme emerged as a powerful cultural shorthand for an entitled woman known for making excessive demands, most notably demanding to 'speak to the manager.' While its roots trace back to various early 2000s internet forums and stand-up comedy, it exploded into the mainstream around 2020. The meme characterizes a specific persona often associated with a signature blonde bob haircut and a confrontational attitude toward service workers or public safety rules. Beyond just a joke, it has become a satirical lens through which the internet critiques privilege, social friction, and unreasonable expectations in everyday interactions.