Sometimes in the world of dating trends-from bunning and benching to slow dating and hardballing, it seems that there is always a new word that people love (or escape). But Tiktok and General Z Dating The latest trend can be the most unexpected (and endurance) of all of them.
It is called “Shreking”, and yes, it is inspired by the Green Ogre Shrek, beloved from iconic Dreamworks films.
So is it really a shreeting in the dating world? Is it as strange as it seems … or it is the most real trend we have seen in a long time?
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Let’s dive into the mud (in the best way).
What is ‘Shreking’?
Shreking is a dating trend, where people deliberately prioritize personality, shared values, and emotional relations, priority on wealth, or social status – a lot of princess selects Shrek on Lord Fervad like Fiona.
It is about falling in love with “Ogre”, not the prince.
In other words, choosing authenticity on perfection.
The word is both fickle and deep. This reflects a change in mentality – especially among young datars – which are tired of shallow swiping, unrealistic beauty standards and curated dating profiles.
“I no longer want a filtered life. I want someone to real – even if they come with a little mud,” in a viral post a tickek user said explaining to Shreking.
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Why ‘Shrek’?
Shrek is not just a meme or childhood film – this is a cultural moment. Under the comedy and anarchy, the credit tells about a surprisingly touching love story:
Hugging your flaws
To find someone who accepts you real
Love beyond appearance
Challenging the traditional ideas of “ever ever”
These subjects are echoing deeply in a post-pandemic world where people crave depth, comfort and real association.
Like Ogre himself says: “Ogres are like onions … they have layers.” And now, Datars are finally appreciating those layers.
Indications are that you are “Shreking”
Surprisingly, are you already part of this trend (without knowing it)? If you can be shreking if:
You give importance to emotional security and comfort on “hotness”
You are attracted to someone for their humor, mercy or strange quirks
You are more in comfortable nights than the dates of high maintenance
You have stopped chasing the “ideal type” and started focusing on real compatibility
You are down to love that looks dirty, but feels right
In short: You are more in “real” than “right tens”.
Why it is gaining popularity
Many cultural changes have paved the way for Shreking to become one thing:
1. Dating app fatigue
People are tired of superficial matches and endless swiping based on filtered photos. Shreking is the opposite of that – it is about depth.
2. Later priorities of epidemic
After years of isolation, people now prioritize emotional relations, mental health and stability than ever.
3. Body positivity and complete culture
The movements that reject the body’s neutrality, promoting self-love and rejecting unrealistic beauty standards have made it to this more grounded approach to attraction.
4. Shrek memes and internet culture
Let’s be real: General Z and Millennials love a good meme. Shrek is a cult classic with a meme-worthy moments and is quotes that capture modern dating struggles completely-with heart and heart.
(ALSO READ: 8 Essential General Z Dating conditions that you should know for modern relationships)
What does Shrekking look like IRL?
Instead of showing the first date, I am trying to impress someone with curated look or attractive lifestyle, credit:
Show yourself as – defects, quirks, and all
Choose comfort on display perfection
Embrace strange and vulnerability
Look for partners who “feel like a house,” not a highlight reel
“Shreking” may look silly at the first time, but it actually represents something deeply: a return to authentic, unfundled connections. In a world that suffers from appearance and aesthetics, Shreking invites us to look deeply.