【趣谈英语】英语俚语Shrink-Shrink Is Slang for Psychiatrist

The word shrink is slang for psychiatrist or psychologist. Like the word shark, which is slang for lawyer, the word shrink has negative connotations. Shrink is the short form of headshrinker. Headshrinking was an ancient tribal⁸ practice observed in the Amazon rainforest. A warrior⁹ would take an enemy’s head as a trophy¹⁰ after a battle. A special technique was used to shrink the head and prevent the spirit of the dead from taking revenge. Some historians believe that the word shrink has a different origin in relation to psychotherapy. At one time, the primary role of a psychotherapist was to shrink a person’s ego. Today, mental health professionals work on shrinking their patients’ or clients’ problems and alleviating¹¹ trouble in the brain. When someone says, “I have to go and see my shrink tonight,” it could be considered a term of endearment.