noun Uncommon

Shrek

shrehk

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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.”

noun

An extremely or comically ugly person (used as slang, from the animated character).

"'Well, well, well, who have we got here? 'A very fat Shrek suddenly loomed up on them. 'Your host at your service,' he said, with a little bow." — Clodagh Murphy, Frisky Business (2012)

"How do you dry your hair? NO DIFFUSER? You are a Shrek. Diffusers are essential!" — Rekha Shankar, A Few Simple Tips for Curly-hair Care (2017)

"He jokingly called his messy morning reflection "a total shrek.""

"They teased him, saying he looked like Shrek without the makeup."

"'I don't want my sister to see you look like a mess, like an ugly Shrek.'" — Jadyn Patrilita, Petimara Ualesi (2016)

How to use Shrek

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishUsing the cartoon ogre's name as an insult (usually joking) for someone considered ugly.

When to use it

Playful slang, mostly used among friends online — not genuinely cruel in most contexts.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: Shreks

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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."

Origin: Yiddish · First attested 1990

Class of 1990 Shrek joined the language around 1990.

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Rhymes for Shrek

trek

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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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Vocabulary lists that include Shrek:

Words with yiddish origins Words that end with K