Shrink Is Slang for Psychiatrist

Why are psychiatrists called shrinks?

shrink

Interesting Facts in Easy English

Pre-Listening Vocabulary

shrink: short for headshrinker; slang for psychologist or psychiatrist
psychiatrist: a doctor with a specialization in mental health; can prescribe medication
psychologist: one who has a degree in psychology (may do research or clinical work); usually is not licensed to prescribe medication
term of endearment: a name that shows one’s admiration or love for someone
ego: one’s sense of self importance
alleviate: to remove something troubling or painful

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Shrink Is Slang for Psychiatrist

The word shrink is for psychiatrist or psychologist. Like the word shark, which is slang for lawyer, the word shrink has negative connotations. Shrink is the short form of headshrinker. Headshrinking was an ancient tribal practice observed in the Amazon rainforest. A warrior would take an enemy’s head as a trophy after a battle. A special was used to shrink the head and prevent the spirit of the dead from taking revenge. Some historians believe that the word shrink has a different origin in relation to psychotherapy. At one time, the role of a psychotherapist was to shrink a person’s ego. Today, professionals work on shrinking their patients’ or clients’ problems and alleviating trouble in the. When someone says, “I have to go and see my shrink tonight,” it could be considered a term of endearment.

Comprehension Questions

What is shrink slang for?
Why does the report mention a shark?
In what way could the word shrink be considered a term of endearment?

Discussion Questions: What other slang words are used for jobs and professions? Do all of these words have a negative connotation?

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3 comments

English Club Indonesia says:

“Shrink” is slang for psychologist or psychiatrist. It carries a negative connotation similar to the word “shark,” which is slang for lawyer. However, the word “shrink” can be considered a term of endearment if one refers to oneself as possessing the shrink. Laborers are sometimes called blue-collar workers. This term does not carry any negative connotations; it simply refers to the color of their uniforms.
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Yashpal says:

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Shrink Is Slang for Psychiatrist

Interesting Facts in Easy English

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