Shrink Slang

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. Head shrinking was an ancient tribal practice observed in the Amazon rainforest. A warrior would take an enemy's head as a trophy 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 alleviating trouble in the brain. When someone says, "I have to go and see my shrink tonight," it could be considered a term of endearment.