What’s a Karen? A Fun Guide to Today’s Buzzwords

Language never stands still.

From “Karen” to “shade” to “gramnesia,” today’s buzzwords can leave even the sharpest among us scratching our heads. This lighthearted guide unpacks the lingo with clear definitions and playful examples — so you can follow the chatter, join the fun, and maybe even toss in a clapback of your own. Some terms may already ring a bell, others may surprise you — but either way, it’s entertaining to see them in action. And no, sharing these words here does not mean we are endorsing them, nor is it making fun of those whose name is Karen. That being said, why not also stay current with today’s slang and join in the fun — while living longer!

Trope

Definition: A familiar theme or cliché that pops up again and again in stories.

Example: Every Hallmark holiday movie has the ‘big city lawyer returns home and falls for the local baker’ trope.

Shade

Definition: Traditionally, shade means protection. In modern slang, it’s a sly or indirect insult, usually delivered with flair.

Example: When someone says, ‘That’s a bold choice of haircut,’ they’re throwing shade.

Snowflake

Definition: A not-so-nice label for someone considered overly sensitive or fragile.

Example: He complained that the office coffee was too strong — someone called him a snowflake.

Karen

Definition: A stereotype of an entitled, demanding, and often rude person, usually insisting on ‘speaking to the manager.’

Example: Complaining angrily that an escalator is “broken” when it stops moving — instead of just walking up the steps (!).

Gramnesia

Definition: Forgetting what you just saw while scrolling through Instagram or other social media.

Example: I checked Instagram five minutes ago, but gramnesia already kicked in.

Crypto

Definition: Short for cryptocurrency, digital money not backed by banks or governments.

Example: Instead of a gift card, he asked to be paid in crypto.

Crypto Meme

Definition: A humorous post poking fun at cryptocurrency culture, trading, or investors.

Example: A meme of a dog riding a rocket ‘to the moon’ — classic crypto humor.

Meme

Definition: A cultural idea, joke, or trend shared online, usually as an image with funny text. Memes can also carry political messages or social commentary, spreading fast across social media.

Example: The distracted boyfriend meme showing a guy looking at another woman while his girlfriend glares at him.

Ghosting

Definition: Disappearing from communication without warning.

Example: We had three great dates, and then… ghosted. (Be sure to read Living to 100’s article on mindful communication and ghosting here.)

Stan

Definition: An overzealous fan. The term comes from the Eminem song ‘Stan.’

Example: She doesn’t just like Taylor Swift — she stans her.

Adulting

Definition: Doing the less glamorous parts of being an adult, like paying bills or buying groceries.

Example: Can’t go out tonight, too busy adulting.

Clapback

Definition: A witty, sharp retort to criticism.

Example: When someone calls you lazy and you reply, ‘I’m not lazy, I’m energy efficient.’ That’s a clapback.

Doxing

Definition: Posting someone’s private information (like an address or phone number) online without permission, usually to shame or harass this person.

Example: Sharing a rival’s home address in a heated online argument.

Flex

Definition: To show off, whether it’s clothes, success, or possessions.

Example: Posting that steak dinner on Instagram was just a flex.

FOMO

Definition: Fear of Missing Out — the anxious feeling that others are having more fun without you.

Example: Seeing all those concert pics gave me serious FOMO.

Salty

Definition: Bitter, annoyed, or resentful.

Example: He’s still salty about losing the trivia contest.

Receipts

Definition: Evidence, usually screenshots, to back up a claim.

Example: Don’t deny it, I’ve got the receipts.

Closing

Language is a living thing. These terms may sound strange or silly at first, but they’re shorthand for big ideas, emotions, and cultural shifts. Learning them isn’t about being trendy — it’s about staying connected. Next time someone throws shade, flexes on Instagram, or hits you with a clapback, you’ll know exactly what’s going on. And who knows? You might even toss in a few receipts yourself.

About the Author
Dr. Joseph Casciani is a psychologist and founder of the Living to 100 Club, where he shares insights on successful aging, resilience, and longevity. Host of the Living to 100 Club Podcast and creator of the Better, Longer & Happier program, he has spent his career helping older adults and professionals in senior living communities embrace the upsides of aging with optimism and purpose.

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