Overview

• Shrekking refers to intentionally dating someone you find less attractive in hopes of kinder treatment, with “getting Shrekked” describing when that still ends in hurt.
• The term was pushed into wide view in August by TikToker @jaxitodwyer, then echoed by copycat videos and coverage from outlets including USA Today and the Mirror.
• Relationship coach Amy Chan says putting looks lower is not inherently bad, but assuming better behavior from a less attractive partner is a flawed premise.
• Know Your Meme documents the trend’s spread and notes criticism that it may be a creator-driven or “forced” meme rather than fully organic slang.
• Recent pieces and TikTok testimonials describe divisive reactions and link the phenomenon to dating fatigue, insecurity, and social-media pressures.