Shrewish: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from 'shrew,' which originally referred to a small mammal known for its aggressive behavior.
• It was used in Middle English to describe a quarrelsome woman, linking animal traits to human behavior.
• The suffix '-ish' implies a characteristic; thus 'shrewish' means 'having the qualities of a shrew.'

Literature

• Shakespeare's play 'The Taming of the Shrew' highlights the struggle of a strong-willed woman who is seen as shrewish.
• In medieval literature, shrewish women were often depicted as witches, associating their temper with supernatural elements.
• The term became more widespread in the 16th century to describe women who challenged societal norms.

Social Psychology

• Research indicates that harsh behavior can be a response to stress or feeling threatened, not necessarily inherent personality traits.
• People labeled as shrewish may experience societal backlash, where their assertiveness is incorrectly viewed as negativity.
• Being called shrewish can affect one’s self-esteem, linking back to cultural stereotypes about women and anger.

Cultural Perspectives

• In different cultures, assertive behavior in women is sometimes pejoratively described using terms like shrewish, showing gender biases.
• Many feminist scholars argue that labeling women as shrewish perpetuates harmful stereotypes about female emotions.
• In some cultures, the term belongs to a historical context that reinforces traditional gender roles, which are still being challenged today.

Folklore

• Many fables and fairy tales have characters who are labeled shrewish, often resulting in conflicts that teach moral lessons.
• Tales often depict shrewish behavior as something that can be transformed through relationships, especially romantic ones.
• Stories featuring shrewish characters frequently involve themes of redemption and growth, highlighting personal change.

Ranking #36,459, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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