Definition

Adjective: 1. (Especially of a person) Being of notably small or inferior size; undersized. This adjective is often used to describe a person who is physically small in a way that might be considered inadequate or less than average. It can carry a connotation of being puny or insignificant in stature.

Usage

• The word "shrimpy" is primarily used as a descriptive adjective.
• It is often applied to people, particularly in informal or slightly derogatory contexts to emphasize a lack of physical size or presence.
• It typically precedes the noun it modifies (attributive position) but can also follow a linking verb (predicative position).

Examples

• Attributive use (before a noun):
  • The shrimpy kid was always picked last for the basketball team.
  • He tried to act tough, but his shrimpy frame made it difficult to be intimidating.
• Predicative use (after a linking verb):
  • Compared to his older brothers, the youngest one seemed rather shrimpy.
  • Don't call him shrimpy; he's just young and still growing.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used metaphorically beyond physical stature to imply insignificance or lack of impact in a non-physical domain, though this is less common.
  • Their contribution to the project was pretty shrimpy compared to the main team's effort.

Variants and Related Words

• Shrimp (noun): The source word, referring to a small shellfish. When used informally for a person, it means a small or unimportant person.
• Shrimper (noun): A person or boat that catches shrimp.

Synonyms

• Puny
• Undersized
• Small
• Stunted
• Diminutive (less derogatory)

Antonyms

• Husky
• Burly
• Strapping
• Hulking
• Giant

Notes on Connotation

• Caution: While "shrimpy" is a standard English word, it is often considered informal and can be perceived as insulting or belittling when used to describe a person directly. It emphasizes inferiority in size. More neutral terms like "small" or "petite" are often preferred.

Adjective

1. (used especially of persons) of inferior size