We’ve all met a “Karen” at some point- that person who always seems ready to make a fuss over the smallest things. Whether it’s at a restaurant, a store, or even just out in public, Karens have a special way of turning everyday situations into major drama.
I’ve rounded up 17 of the funniest, most eye-roll-worthy phrases that Karens love to use.
“I want to speak to the manager!”
This is the classic Karen battle cry. It’s usually said in a loud, demanding voice when things aren’t going their way. Karens believe that any problem can be solved by talking to someone higher up. Watch out, retail workers – when you hear this, you know you’re in for a wild ride!
“Do you know who I am?”
Karens love to think they’re VIPs, even when they’re not. This phrase is their way of trying to intimidate people into giving them special treatment. The funny thing is, if they were actually important, they probably wouldn’t need to ask this question!
“I’m never shopping here again!”
This is the Karen version of a threat. They think that by saying this, the store will suddenly bend over backward to please them. Little do they know, most employees are probably thinking, “Promise?”
“This is false advertising!”
Karens love to cry foul when things aren’t exactly as they expected. Maybe the burger in the picture looked bigger, or the sale item is out of stock. Whatever it is, they’re ready to call in the advertising police!
“I’ve been coming here for years!”
This is the Karen way of saying they deserve special treatment. They think their so-called loyalty should earn them perks or exceptions to the rules. News flash, Karen: buying coffee once a month for three years doesn’t make you the owner!
“Let me tell you how to do your job.”
Karens often think they’re experts in everything. They’ll try to tell cashiers how to ring up items or waiters how to take orders. It’s like they forget that people actually train for these jobs!
“This is America, I know my rights!”
When all else fails, Karens pull out the patriotism card. They seem to think “rights” means “getting whatever I want, whenever I want it.” Sorry, Karen, but the Constitution doesn’t guarantee you a free appetizer!
“I’ll have you fired for this!”
This is the Karen nuclear option. When they’re really mad, they threaten people’s jobs. They seem to think they have the power to fire anyone who disagrees with them. Spoiler alert: they don’t.
“I’m going to leave a bad review!”
In the age of Yelp and Google reviews, this is a Karen’s way of flexing their “power.” They think the threat of a one-star review will make everyone jump to attention. Most of the time, it just makes them look petty.
“I’m calling the police!”
Karens love to involve law enforcement in non-emergency situations. Noisy neighbors, slow service, or kids playing outside- to a Karen, these are all police matters. Officers must love getting calls about a sandwich that wasn’t cut diagonally!
“That’s not how we do things around here!”
Karens often appoint themselves as the guardians of “how things should be.” They use this phrase to complain about anything new or different, especially if it involves other cultures or ways of life. It’s their way of resisting change and enforcing their narrow worldview.
“I demand compensation!”
When something goes wrong, even in the tiniest way, Karens are quick to demand free stuff. A slightly cold meal might lead to calls for a free dinner, dessert, and a gift card for next time. Talk about turning a molehill into a mountain of freebies!
“Let me speak to your corporate office!”
When the manager isn’t high enough up the chain for them, Karens bust out this phrase. They seem to think that corporate offices are just sitting by the phone, waiting to hear about their minor inconveniences. Surprise, Karen- they’re not!
“Don’t you know the customer is always right?”
This is the Karen mantra. They use it to justify all sorts of unreasonable demands. What they forget is that this saying is about trends in customer preferences, not about individual customers being right about everything!
“I’m a paying customer!”
Karens love to remind everyone that they’re spending money as if that gives them the right to misbehave. They seem to forget that being a customer also means following rules and treating people with respect. Paying for something doesn’t make you the boss, Karen!
“This is ridiculous, I can’t believe this!”
This is the Karen way of expressing disbelief when things don’t go their way. You’ll often hear this said in an exaggerated tone as if a slight delay or minor mistake is the end of the world. Drama queens, meet your queen, Karen!
“I’ll just take my business elsewhere!”
This is the Karen exit strategy. When all their complaints and demands haven’t worked, they pull out this final threat. Little do they know, most employees are silently cheering as they stomp out the door. Bye, Karen, don’t let the door hit you on the way out!
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