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How did psycho-pros come to be called, "Shrinks"?
Psychiatrists, therapists, psychologists, etc., etc. How did they acquire the pet name, "Shrink"?
6 Answers
- Robin GLv 61 decade agoFavorite Answer
They got the nickname "Headshrinker" because for a long while they were considered quacks and non-professionals akin to witchdoctors. The name has since been contracted to "shrink."
- 1 decade ago
"Shrink", a slang term for a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist and is derived from the word "headshrinker," because of the countless hours they spend with their patients speaking their "minds."
Hope this helps...
- Anonymous1 decade ago
It's derived from the word "headshrinker."
Obviously a negative term for the profession.
- Anonymous1 decade ago
I believe due to the old "Head Shrinkers" thing referring to medicine men of mystery.
Due to psychiatry being looked on as hocus pocus by some people.
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- Anonymous1 decade ago
maybe cuz they "shrink" your problems!!
