Holly Hughes: How I was radicalised... and became a Karen in 2025

Is it really bad to complain if service is shoddy, or if food is sub par? In 2025 it’s time for us all to speak up and embrace our inner ‘Karen’, writes Holly Hughes

"The intoxicating vitriol of a woman who believes herself to be always right in a world determined to pull a fast on her overcame me and I transformed into my own worst nightmare: a serial complainer, a Karen."

I did not think it would happen to me. Of all the ailments I expected to befall me, this was not one of them. 

I had done everything I could to avoid it — I worked crappy hospitality jobs, I heaved my way through backbreaking menial work, I kept a gratitude journal to keep me humble, grounded, aware that there was more to life than a disappointing entrée.