趣談英語：英語俚語Shrink-Shrink Is Slang for Psychiatrist

00:00

00:00

MP3下載 文本下載

https://online2.tingclass.net/lesson/shi0529/0009/9833/4.mp3

https://image.tingclass.net/statics/js/2012

shrink: short for headshrinker; slang for psychologist or psychiatrist

psychiatrist: a doctor with a specialization in mental health; can prescribe medication

psychologist: one who has a degree in psychology (may do research or clinical work); usually is not licensed to prescribe medication

term of endearment: a name that shows one’s admiration or love for someone

ego: one’s sense of self importance

alleviate: to remove something troubling or painful

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 tribal practice observed in the Amazon rainforest. Awarrior 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.