This is a British expression of contempt. The original Barbara Cartland was a British female author who wrote incredibly predictable, dated
chick lit; she was well-known for a number of reasons:-
She had the longest entry in “Who’s Who”;
She believed that, despite her age and
decrepitude she was incredibly attractive to the male sex;
Under no circumstances could she possibly be wrong;
The meaning has now broadened and is used to describe any pretentious, arrogant, unattractive female with delusions about her looks, talent, knowledge etc. Should you meet one usher her into the nearest padded cell with a
forked vermin stick and arrange for NASA to send her on a probe to Jupiter.
Kim’s had a letter published in a free
newspaper, now she’s acting like she’s an ace
reporter!
Stupid
munter! What a Barbara Cartland!