What's in a name

[grizzbass]

but like Viking is probably going to have several plausible origins.
I wasn't aware that Karen was meant as an insult until it had been around for awhile. John (with several different negatives) I learned quite quickly was.
Words meaning often are in the ear of the beholder. I've been called Jock because of my athletic accomplishments (or maybe better what were my athletic accomplishments). I never viewed it as an insult because the negative elements didn't apply. I've never been called jock because of a kilt but I'm assuming that's because most americans wouldn't know the Scottish definition but would feel kind of pleased if I was considered enough of a scot to be a jock.
My rule of thumb is to never assume the slang is meant as an insult unless the speaker clearly means it as an insult then it's more that they are insulting than the word it's self. I've had people call me a sonofabitch but they clearly meant it in endearing terms.
It's kind of like my dog grizzly. I often say "who's a big dumb dog" (dog being the only accurate description) but it's said in a tone of voice that makes him wag his tail. Call me what you like and if it's the right tone I'll wag my tail also.