Dating has always had its share of strange slang. From ghosting to breadcrumbing, every year a new word pops up to describe the highs and lows of relationships. Now, the latest addition to the dating dictionary is Shrekking. At first glance, you might think it has something to do with the green ogre from the animated films, but do not be fooled. Shrekking has nothing to do with fairytales and everything to do with the frustrations of modern romance. It is the bittersweet laugh we share at our own expense when love does not play out the way we imagined.
What Is Shrekking?
Shrekking is a term used when someone lowers their standards or compromises their expectations in dating, only to end up hurt anyway. Imagine giving someone a chance despite glaring red flags or mismatched values, hoping that this time the gamble might pay off. Instead of finding love, you walk away disappointed and probably wondering why you ignored your instincts in the first place. That is being Shrekked.
Why The Name Shrekking?
The term is playfully inspired by Shrek, the animated character who was not exactly the conventional Prince Charming. In the film, Shrek wins over Princess Fiona despite his unconventional looks, flipping the script on the usual fairytale. But in dating slang, reality rarely follows the movie script. You give someone a shot outside your usual type, hoping for a heart-warming surprise, but instead you get a harsh reminder that not every story has a happy ending. Shrekking highlights the irony of romantic optimism colliding with reality.
How Shrekking Compares To Other Dating Trends
Modern dating has created a whole dictionary of disappointments:
- Ghosting – When someone vanishes without a word.
- Breadcrumbing – When someone keeps you interested with small, meaningless gestures.
- Benching – When you are kept as a back-up option.
Shrekking is different. It is less about what someone does to you, and more about the internal choice you make. It is that moment when you say, “Maybe I am being too picky, let us give them a chance,” only to discover that your instincts were right all along.
How Shrekking Happens
- Overlooking Red Flags – Ignoring warning signs because you want to be open-minded.
- Settling For Less – Accepting behaviour or values that do not align with your own.
- Believing They Will Change – Hoping that time or love will transform them.
- Romantic Optimism – Thinking your story could be the exception, like in a movie.
All of these roads lead to the same destination: disappointment.
Why People Shrek Themselves
Modern dating culture can be exhausting. Endless swipes, curated profiles, and the pressure to “find your person” can leave people second-guessing their standards. Nobody wants to be labelled “too picky.” So we loosen the rules, give someone the benefit of the doubt, and convince ourselves that love is about compromise. But when compromise means ignoring our own needs, the result is rarely fulfilling. Shrekking is essentially the fallout of optimism meeting reality.
How To Avoid Getting Shrekked
- Know Your Non-Negotiables – Define the values or behaviours you will not compromise on.
- Trust Your Gut – Red flags are there for a reason. Do not brush them aside.
- Value Yourself – Your standards are not unreasonable if they reflect your needs.
- Slow Down – Love does not need to be rushed. The right connection will feel natural.
Shrekking In Pop Culture And Social Media
Like many dating terms, Shrekking went viral on social media before it entered mainstream conversations. People connected with it because it is funny, sharp, and painfully relatable. It captures the universal experience of giving someone a chance, only to regret it. The humour in the word helps soften the blow, turning disappointment into a shared cultural joke. Just as ghosting became a term everyone understood overnight, Shrekking is quickly taking its place in the modern love lexicon.
Also Read: 30 Thought of the Day by Great Persons to Motivate
Shrekking is the newest addition to the dating dictionary, and it perfectly captures the irony of lowering your standards only to end up hurt. It is a reminder that real love is not about settling or silencing your instincts; it is about finding someone who truly matches you. While the word is humorous, the lesson is serious: do not undervalue yourself in the name of romance. Unlike in fairytales, real-life happy endings start with knowing your worth.
FAQs
Q1. Is Shrekking always a bad thing?
Not always. Sometimes giving someone a chance works out beautifully. But if it ends badly despite your efforts, that is Shrekking.
Q2. How is Shrekking different from settling?
Settling is staying in a long-term relationship that does not fulfil you. Shrekking is more short-term, taking a chance and then regretting it.
Q3. Can Shrekking happen in friendships too?
Yes, the idea applies beyond dating, like repeatedly giving a friend chances and still being let down.
Q4. Why is it called Shrekking instead of another name?
Because the word playfully references dating someone unconventional like Shrek, but without the fairytale ending.
Q5. How can I recover from being Shrekked?
Focus on self-care, learn from the experience, and remind yourself that your standards exist to protect your happiness.
