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Shrew Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿญ
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shrew

[สƒruห ]

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?

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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.
  • Sheโ€™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?

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Shakespeareโ€™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.

Origin of 'shrew'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'shrew' originated from Old English 'scrฤ“awa', which referred to a small, agile mammal. Over time, the term evolved to describe both the animal and a disparaging term for women. The negative connotation associated with 'shrew' reflects historical gender stereotypes and societal views on women's behavior.

See also: shrewd, shrewdness.

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.