"Shrimp" French Slang Definition: Gay Twink and Ectomorph in Hookup Culture

The term shrimp doesn’t necessarily refer to a very young man, but rather to a person with a very slender body. Without muscle, without fat, very thin, their body somewhat resembles that of a small boy, a “femellette” (effeminate man).

Why is the term “shrimp” used in the gay context?

Why shrimp? Because of the good old joke: you remove the head, and there’s not much left! Basically, if someone is looking for a shrimp and you’re a super muscular gay man or a big, hairy bear, you won’t get anywhere!

How is “shrimp” perceived in gay hookups?

The shrimp doesn’t leave anyone indifferent: they are either sought after or rejected for hookups. It all depends on the look and body your partner should have: with bears, there’s no mistake, it’s hair, muscle, or fat that counts! It’s the stereotypical style of a Village People member dressed in leather…

What is the morphology associated with “shrimp”?

In fact, to put it very simply and more scientifically, the shrimp is of the ectomorph morphological type: a tall, thin physique with underdeveloped musculature. Here is the definition that doesn’t make it pejorative.

Is the term “shrimp” derogatory?

This term can be perceived as very derogatory and is often used as an insult in everyday life. While cinema, TV, and magazines flood us with super sculpted and muscular top models, the shrimp is called a sub-man, a sissy…

Why are “shrimps” sought after for gay hookups?

For gay hookups, however, they are highly sought after, and one should not think that they are only desired by bisexuals who would find an effeminate body in them: homosexuals prefer this type of body simply because the power dynamic that can exist between the shrimp and a muscular man is very accentuated and allows for interesting domination and submission games.

In short, it’s all a matter of taste; the most important thing remains and always will be mutual respect.