Meaning & Definition of word "Shrimp"
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Shrimp
/ʃrɪmp/
noun:
- 1. A small marine creature with a slender body, long legs, and a shell, often used as food.
- Example: We ordered grilled shrimp for dinner at the seaside restaurant.
- 2. Any of various small crustaceans, including both marine and freshwater species.
- Example: The aquarium has a tank filled with colorful shrimp that filter feed on algae.
- 3. A term often used informally to refer to a person or thing of small size.
- Example: Despite being a shrimp compared to the other players, he excelled in agility.
verb:
- 1. To catch or harvest shrimp.
- Example: The fishermen shrimps in the local bay every summer.
Etymology
Middle English *shrimpe*, perhaps from Old Norse *smjúka* meaning 'to creep'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
shrimp on the barbie:
A phrase popularized by Australian culture referring to grilling shrimp.
like a shrimp in a tsunami:
Feeling small or insignificant in a much larger context.
Related Words
prawn:
A similar type of crustacean, typically larger than shrimp.
lobster:
A large marine crustacean with long antennae and a pair of large claws.
Slang Meanings of shrimp
Meaning: To be small or insignificant.
Example Sentence: Stop acting like a shrimp; you can handle this task.
Meaning: To cheat or scam someone.
Example Sentence: He was shrimping the gambler out of his money.