Psychiatrists are often referred to as shrinks. The first thing you might wonder is why they’re called shrinks in the first place. Well, we have an answer. Then, you might wonder what psychiatrists think of being called a shrink. And, again, we have an answer for that too!
The term “shrink” is a slang term for a psychiatrist or psychotherapist. The term is thought to have originated in the early 1900s, and it likely comes from the fact that these professionals help people “shrink” their problems. Shrinks are often thought of as the people who help people deal with their mental health issues. While this is true, shrinks can also help people with other issues, such as addiction, relationship problems, and even grief.
While the term “shrink” is mostly used in a negative way, it is important to remember that these professionals can help people in many different ways. In this article, we will look at the history of the term “shrink,” how it is used today, and some of the negative connotations that are associated with it.
Must See: How To Get Certified In Substance Abuse Counseling
Why Are Psychiatrists Called Shrinks?
You probably call your psychiatrist by another name: doctor. But it wasn’t always that way, and even today, some people still use shrinks (or shrank) to refer to psychiatrists. If you’ve never given this term a second thought, you might be wondering why shrinks is the preferred slang for psychiatrists.
More Reading: 5 Reasons Why Online Therapy Has Helped So Many People
The word shrink comes from shrinkage—the contraction of a material due to heat or cold—and originally referred to someone who had been shrunken in stature or been reduced in power by social change. It was used as early as 1908 to describe someone who had been “made smaller” by something else: “a small man trying hard not to appear small.” In this context, shrink could be seen as an apt descriptor for someone who deals with mental illness. With time and popularization of the word shrinkage came its use as a verb meaning “to contract,” as well as its meaning as a shortening of the noun psychiatrist: “shrink” became synonymous with psychiatry itself at some point between 1928 and 1930; by 1950, it was used throughout America in reference both positive (“He’s really good at what he does”) and negative (“I hate my psychiatrist”).
The word psychiatrist didn’t become popular until the late 1800s, and before that, people with mental illness were treated by a variety of people with a variety of backgrounds. Some were doctors, some were clergymen, and some were charlatans. The word psychiatrist comes from the Greek words for soul and doctor, and it wasn’t until the late 1800s that the term came into common usage to describe someone who treats mental illness. The first use of the term in English was in a medical journal in 1838, and by the end of the 19th century, it was being used in the United States as well.
It’s not clear why the word psychiatrist became associated with shrinkage, but it may have something to do with the fact that the early years of psychiatry were marked by a number of controversial practices, such as lobotomies and electroshock therapy. These procedures were often done without the consent of the patients, and they sometimes resulted in physical changes, such as paralysis or shrinkage of the brain. As a result, some people may have seen psychiatrists as people who shrank patients’ brains, either figuratively or literally.
Whatever the origins of the word, it’s clear that it’s here to stay. While some people find the term offensive, it’s still used widely, both in casual conversation and in the media. If you don’t like the term, you can always call your psychiatrist by their first name.
What Led to The Term Shrink?
The term “shrink”, as it’s used in modern slang, is believed to have originated from the word psychoanalyst. Psychoanalysts are psychiatrists who specialize in psychoanalysis—a particular branch of psychiatry that involves understanding the unconscious mind through free association, dream analysis and other techniques.
The first use of “shrink” as a verb (to be shrank) was recorded by H.L. Mencken in 1919; he said it meant “to reduce.” In 1926, Time magazine reported on an American-German psychiatrist named Dr Sigmund Freud who was developing his theory about how our minds work:
“[Freud] believes that mental disorders can be cured by scientific methods.”
In 1938, Mencken defined shrinkage (the act of shrinking) as “the act or process of becoming smaller or less,” while Webster’s Dictionary defined shrink as someone who shrinks clothes at home or shrinks photographs with chemicals so they’re smaller but still clear enough to see details like faces or places.
The term “shrink” was originally used in a negative way to describe someone who seemed to be reducing the size of their patients’ problems, or making them feel better by talking about them in a way that made them seem less important. Over time, the term came to be used more broadly to refer to any psychiatrist or psychotherapist, regardless of their approach or technique.
Today, the term “shrink” is used informally to refer to any psychiatrist, psychologist, or other mental health professional. It’s often used as a way to describe someone who is perceived as being helpful in a difficult or challenging situation.
While the term “shrink” is now used more broadly, it’s important to remember that it originally had a negative connotation. When using the term, be mindful of how it might be received by the person you’re talking to.
More Mental Health: Good Mental Health vs. Bad Mental Health: An Overview
Is It Derogatory? Does It Bother Them?
When you hear the word shrink, it can be easy to think that it means something derogatory. But psychiatrists are happy with the term and use it in their everyday conversations with patients. They don’t have a problem with the name because they have accepted it as part of their profession.
The term “shrink” has been around for more than 100 years, but its meaning has changed over time. When psychiatrists were first called shrinks, it was used as an insult because people thought that mental illness was caused by someone’s head being too big or brains being too small (shrunken). However, since then, this word has become more positive due to how well psychiatrists help people with psychological problems and mental disorders. The title “shrink” is now widely accepted—it even appears in popular movies like Shrink (2009), In Her Shoes (2005) and Girl Interrupted (1999).
In addition to building a strong relationship with their patients through humour (and sometimes sarcasm), psychiatrists also have an important role in helping them cope with some very difficult situations such as trauma or loss during childhood which may lead them later on down life paths where they experience other stressful events like divorce or financial troubles.”
So overall, the term “shrink” is not derogatory and psychiatrists are okay with it. If you are ever in doubt about what to call a professional, it is always appropriate to ask them directly.
Stay Sane: Mental Health vs. Behavioral Health: How Are They Similar and Different?
What Do Psychiatrists Think About Being Called Shrinks?
Some psychiatrists are offended by the term, some are not. Some say the term is harmless and some say it is offensive. Some don’t care one way or another, while others think that it’s an outdated word that should be retired from your vocabulary.
It’s worth noting that shrink has an etymological history in psychiatry dating back to the early 1900s, when psychiatrists were called shingles (from German: “shrinker,” meaning “to contract”). This ultimately evolved into its current form shrink, which likely stems from a play on words with language used in psychology circles at the time (such as shrill). However, there have been attempts over the years to get rid of this derogatory term—for example in 1936 when Dr Alfred Wahl introduced a proposal at a meeting of The American Psychiatric Association asking them not use this offensive phrase anymore!
Some psychiatrists are offended by the term, some are not. Some say the term is harmless and some say it is offensive. Some don’t care one way or another, while others think that it’s an outdated word. It’s worth noting that shrink has an etymological history in psychiatry dating back to the early 1900s, when psychiatrists were called shingles (from German: “shrinker,” meaning “to contract”). This ultimately evolved into its current form shrink, which likely stems from a play on words with language used in psychology circles at the time (such as shrill). However, there have been attempts over the years to get rid of this derogatory term—for example in 1936 when Dr Alfred Wahl introduced a proposal at a meeting of The American Psychiatric Association asking them not use this offensive phrase anymore!
Conclusion
While the term shrink has been around for a long time and is a common reference to the profession, it is not always considered favourable. In fact, some psychiatrists have gone so far as to say that they find being called shrinks offensive and prefer being addressed by their professional titles.
The word itself actually comes from an old Yiddish word “shrenk” which means to contract or draw back. The negative connotations of this word come from the belief that it could refer to something shrinking away in fear or disgust.
However, there are those who believe that when used correctly and with good intentions, the word shrink can be used as a positive term for these professionals. It is important not to use this word in any context where you would want someone who works in mental health care on your side if they were treating yourself or someone close to you!
Not to Miss: Mental Health Vs Physical Health: Which Is More Important?
