Shrew: meaning, definitions and examples

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shrew

[ʃruː ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

animal

A shrew is a small, insectivorous mammal with a long, pointed snout. Shrews are known for their high metabolism and must eat almost constantly to survive. They are typically active at night and have a voracious appetite for insects, worms, and other small invertebrates.

Synonyms

mole, mouse, vole.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shrew	Use this word when talking about a small insect-eating mammal with a long snout, or, less commonly, to describe a bad-tempered or aggressively assertive woman (the latter usage has negative connotations). The garden is home to a tiny shrew that hides under the leaves. She was treated like a shrew by her colleagues due to her assertive nature.
mole	Use this word when referring to a small burrowing mammal with velvety fur, or metaphorically for a spy who infiltrates an organization. The mole created a network of tunnels beneath the garden. There was a mole in the company leaking confidential information.
vole	Refer to this word when describing a small rodent resembling a mouse but with a stouter body, often found in fields or grassy areas. The vole made its nest in the tall grass near the stream. Farmers often find voles in their fields during the harvest.
mouse	This word is typically used to describe a small rodent with a pointed nose, or informally to refer to a timid or quiet person. A mouse scurried across the kitchen floor. She’s as quiet as a mouse in meetings.

Examples of usage

They found a shrew scurrying around the garden looking for food.
The shrew's sharp teeth help it to catch and eat its prey quickly.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

person

Informally, a shrew is used to describe a woman who is ill-tempered, nagging, or constantly complaining. This term is considered derogatory and offensive, as it reinforces negative stereotypes about women.

Synonyms

harridan, nag, virago.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shrew	Used to describe a woman who is perceived as scolding and bad-tempered. The term has a negative connotation. Everyone was afraid of her; she was known as the shrew of the office. He called her a shrew for always criticizing him.
nag	Describes someone who persistently annoys or criticizes, often by repeatedly asking someone to do something. It can refer to either gender, but is commonly used for women. It is derogatory. She felt like such a nag, constantly reminding him to clean up. Stop nagging me about the dishes.
harridan	Refers to a strict, bossy, or belligerent older woman. It generally is used in a critical or negative context. The old harridan next door is always yelling at the children playing in the street. She turned into a harridan as soon as she became the boss.
virago	Used to describe a woman of great strength, courage, or impressive stature, but can also imply a loud, domineering woman. It can be both positive and negative depending on the context. She fought off the attackers like a true virago. He was afraid of crossing her; she was a real virago with a temper.

Examples of usage

He referred to his ex-wife as a shrew, which angered many people.
Calling a woman a shrew based on her behavior is disrespectful and unfair.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Old English 'screawa,' which means a small, burrowing animal, hinting at an unpleasant character.
In Medieval times, it referred to both a woman who was quarrelsome and to a type of small mammal known for its aggressive behavior.
In Shakespeare's time, the term was popularized through the play 'The Taming of the Shrew,' linking it further to difficult female characters.

Literature

Shakespeare’s 'The Taming of the Shrew' explores themes of gender roles and the dynamics of marriage.
The shrew character often challenges male authority, creating a tension that resonates through much of dramatic literature.
Modern interpretations of shrew characters reflect societal changes, showcasing different versions of strong, contentious female figures.

Cultural Perception

Historically, shrews were viewed negatively, often used to label outspoken women who defy societal norms.
The term has evolved to include men in some contexts, highlighting the universal traits of being argumentatively inclined.
In modern discourse, calling someone a shrew can be seen as pejorative, raising debates about gender bias.

Psychology

Behaviour often labeled as 'shrewish' may stem from frustration or feeling unheard in many social contexts.
There's a psychological tendency to stereotype aggressive behavior as 'shrewish,' perpetuating stigma against assertive individuals.
Studies show that assertive communication is often unfairly perceived as 'shrewish' in women but praised in men.

Animal Kingdom

Shrews, the small mammals, are known for their quick movements and voracious appetites, consuming up to their body weight in food daily.
Despite their names, these creatures are vital to ecosystems, controlling insect populations and enriching soil through their burrowing.
Shrews have a unique ability to use echolocation, similar to bats, to navigate and hunt in their environments.

Translations

Translations of the word "shrew" in other languages:

🇵🇹 musaranho

🇮🇳 छछूंदर

🇩🇪 Spitzmaus

🇮🇩 tikus tanah

🇺🇦 землерийка

🇵🇱 ryjówka

🇯🇵 トガリネズミ

🇫🇷 musaraigne

🇪🇸 musaraña

🇹🇷 kirpi faresi

🇰🇷 뒤쥐

🇸🇦 زباب

🇨🇿 rejsek

🇸🇰 rejko

🇨🇳 鼩鼱

🇸🇮 krtek

🇮🇸 nornamús

🇰🇿 жертес

🇬🇪 მუსკი

🇦🇿 siçovul

🇲🇽 musaraña

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,803, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
25800 jesting
25801 rueful
25802 quipped
25803 shrew
25804 afflicting
25805 aspirate
25806 liberalize
...