THERE are so many words for different dating trends, it can be difficult to get your head around.
Here is everything you need to know about shrekking – where it comes from and what it means.
What is shrekking?
Shrekking is a dating trend where someone intentionally dates someone they think is less attractive than themselves.
The thought is, their uglier partner will treat them better or be more devoted to them because they are so lucky to be with them in the first place.
Essentially, it’s dating down on purpose.
The term comes from the movies: Shrek the big green ogre who falls in love with a beautiful Disney princess.
To get shrekked means you have been a victim of your own shrekking.
You have dated down and got rejected or treated badly in some way.
Why is shrekking toxic?
Subscribing to this theory means that you see relationships as a battle for power.
It also means you believe a person’s value can be dictated on their looks alone.
Shrek wasn’t a bad guy!
Also, Fiona turns out to be an ogre herself.
Their relationship works because it is between two equals.
Dyllan, a neuroscientist, told The Sun: “This beauty pageant attitude towards dating could have a great impact on an individual’s well-being, leading one to feel uncomfortable and inadequate with their own appearance, ultimately contributing to increased anxiety and stress about appearance.”
There are lots of negative comments about the effects of shrekking.
One Tik Tok user writes: “I got cheated on by a shrek.”
Another wrote: “I always say date your type.
“At least that let down can be lived down.
“But lowering you standards and still being let down?
“It’s traumatising.”
