Shrek
Shrek (noun) means an extremely or comically ugly person (used as slang, from the animated character). Example: “He jokingly called his messy morning reflection "a total shrek.”
How to use Shrek
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsing the cartoon ogre's name as an insult (usually joking) for someone considered ugly.
Playful slang, mostly used among friends online — not genuinely cruel in most contexts.
Word forms
Shreks plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He jokingly called his messy morning reflection "a total _____."
Etymology
From the ogre character Shrek, created by author William Steig for his 1990 picture book and made globally famous by the DreamWorks film franchise; the name itself comes from the Yiddish word for "fright."
Rhymes for Shrek
See all rhymes for Shrek →Frequently asked questions
What does “Shrek” mean?
The word “Shrek” means an extremely or comically ugly person (used as slang, from the animated character). In plain terms, using the cartoon ogre's name as an insult (usually joking) for someone considered ugly.
How do you pronounce “Shrek”?
“Shrek” is pronounced shrehk (/ʃɹɛk/ in IPA).
How do you use “Shrek” in a sentence?
Here is “Shrek” used in a sentence: “He jokingly called his messy morning reflection "a total shrek.".”
What part of speech is “Shrek”?
“Shrek” is a noun.
Where does the word “Shrek” come from?
The word “Shrek” dates back to around 1990 and comes from Yiddish. From the ogre character Shrek, created by author William Steig for his 1990 picture book and made globally famous by the DreamWorks film franchise; the name itself comes from the Yiddish word for "fright.".
Is “Shrek” a common word?
“Shrek” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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