Generation Z has introduced a new slang term to identify demanding individuals, moving beyond the widely recognized ‘Karen.’ This shift reflects evolving cultural conversations and the way younger generations categorize social behaviors. The term ‘Karen’ became prominent around 2020, typically describing entitled and privileged women, often of Gen X or older demographics, whose actions negatively impact others. A viral meme in 2019, featuring a woman asking to ‘speak to a manager,’ cemented the stereotype. The infamous incident involving Amy Cooper in Central Park further amplified the negative connotations associated with the name.
Now, the focus has shifted, with ‘Jessica’ emerging as the new Gen Z label for a similar archetype. This trend gained significant traction on TikTok in July 2025, where users debated Millennial equivalents for the ‘Karen’ persona. One viral video highlighted the suggestion that ‘Jessica’ is the name often associated with nurses, adding a layer of perceived character to the discussion.
Another TikTok creator, Erin, actively sought input from her followers to pinpoint the Millennial ‘Karen’ equivalent, proposing names like ‘Jessica,’ ‘Ashley,’ and ‘Tiffany.’ This sparked a lively debate, with ‘Jessica’ frequently cited as the most fitting choice. Comments like ‘Definitely Jessica’ and ‘I’ve never met a pleasant Jessica’ underscore the consensus forming within the online community.
Featured snippet paragraph: Gen Z has coined ‘Jessica’ as the new slang term to replace ‘Karen’ for identifying entitled and demanding individuals, a trend that gained popularity on TikTok in 2025.
While ‘Jessica’ appears to be the frontrunner, other names were also considered. Some users argued that ‘Ashley’ or ‘Tiffany’ were more appropriate, based on their personal experiences. This ongoing discussion illustrates the fluidity of slang and how social media platforms facilitate the rapid spread of new terminology.
The emergence of ‘Jessica’ as the new ‘Karen’ is part of a broader pattern of Gen Z defining social dynamics through unique language. This generation has a knack for creating and popularizing new slang, influencing broader cultural understanding.
How to understand Gen Z slang is a question many are asking, as their linguistic innovations quickly spread. Terms like ‘6-7,’ originating from rapper Skrilla’s song, became viral sensations in 2025, often associated with basketball players. This phrase, spoken as ‘six seven,’ is typically used when the numbers six and seven are mentioned together.
What is the meaning of ‘locking in’? This phrase, also popularized in 2025, signifies a state of deep focus and concentration. It’s a term that has resonated widely, reflecting a desire for dedicated effort in various pursuits.
Conversely, ‘crashing out’ became synonymous with experiencing an emotional outburst or losing control. This term captures the intense emotional responses that can occur in stressful situations.
The debate over the Millennial ‘Karen’ highlights how names can become cultural signifiers. The association of ‘Jessica’ with demanding behavior is a recent development, showcasing the power of collective online opinion.
Why is Gen Z creating new terms? It’s a way for them to carve out their own cultural identity and comment on generational stereotypes. This linguistic innovation is a hallmark of their engagement with the world.
The transition from ‘Karen’ to ‘Jessica’ signifies a generational update in how certain behaviors are labeled. It’s a testament to the dynamic nature of language and its ability to adapt to new social phenomena.
Is ‘Jessica’ the new ‘Karen’ worth the discussion? For those observing social trends and online culture, the answer is yes. It provides insight into how perceptions and labels evolve.
Understanding these evolving slang terms is key to comprehending contemporary online discourse and generational differences.
This new wave of slang reflects Gen Z’s unique perspective and their impact on popular culture.
The evolution of these terms shows how language is constantly being reshaped.
