Why the Shrekking Dating Trend makes Dating Funny and Real
‘Why the Shrekking Dating Trend makes Dating Funny and real’ embraces humor, awkwardness, and authenticity. It does so within the framework of modern relationships. Inspired by Shrek—the lovable, imperfect ogre—this dating trend flips the script on polished profiles and curated first impressions. Instead of stressing about being flawless, shrekking encourages daters to lean into quirks. Daters are urged to crack silly jokes and show up as their real selves. It’s a refreshing antidote to perfection culture, proving that love often grows out of laughter and genuine connection. Ready to ditch the highlight reel? Learn why shrekking might be your funniest path to romance yet.
Shrekking: The Quirky Dating Trend You Need to Know About
Dating trends often reflect the times we live in. From “ghosting” to “situationships,” the way we describe our romantic habits has become a language of its own. Now, a new and surprisingly lighthearted term has entered the dating conversation: shrekking dating trend. And no, it doesn’t mean dressing up like everyone’s favorite green ogre on dates. Instead, shrekking is about embracing humor, authenticity, and the wonderfully awkward moments that come with getting to know someone.
What is Shrekking?
Shrekking takes its name from Shrek, the beloved animated character who defied the traditional “Prince Charming” archetype. Instead of being suave, polished, and perfect, Shrek is clumsy, goofy, and unapologetically, himself. That’s the essence of shrekking in dating. You drop the act and embrace your quirks. Show your humor and imperfections right from the start.
In a world where first dates can feel like auditions, shrekking flips the script. Rather than worrying about coming across as too silly, too weird, or too awkward, people who shrek lean into it. They’ll crack bad jokes. They might share a meme-worthy moment. Sometimes, they even poke fun at themselves. They choose to show their genuine personality instead of a curated façade.

Why is Shrekking Gaining Popularity?
Modern dating can be exhausting. Apps often encourage swiping based on appearances, and many people feel pressured to present a “highlight reel” version of themselves. But sooner or later, filters fade, and curated personas crack. Shrekking is refreshing because it **cuts through the pretentiousness** and allows people to bond over laughter and realness.
Here are a few reasons it’s resonating:
Relieves Pressure – Dates can be nerve-racking. By joking around or leaning into silliness, shrekking reduces tension and makes interactions more relaxed.
Signals Authenticity – When someone isn’t afraid to be goofy, it suggests confidence and honesty. It’s a way of saying, “What you see is what you get.”
Creates Memorable Moments – Anyone can have a stiff conversation over coffee. But singing a bad karaoke duet or quoting Shrek lines on a walk? That sticks.
Rejects Perfection Culture – Social media has created unrealistic standards for how we look, talk, and even date. Shrekking pushes back by celebrating imperfection.
What Shrekking Looks Like in Practice
So, how do people actually shrek in dating? It’s less about having a fixed set of rules and more about embracing a playful mindset. Some examples:
- Playful banter – Light teasing, corny jokes, or funny impressions that break the ice.
- Meme-level humor – Sharing goofy videos, Shrek GIFs, or inside jokes that feel effortless and fun.
- Unexpected activities – Instead of dinner and drinks, suggesting something whimsical, like mini-golf, roller skating, or an arcade.
- Self-deprecating honesty – Admitting nervousness, laughing at a slip-up, or poking fun at your own quirks.
The goal isn’t to turn every date into a comedy show. Instead, the aim is to create an environment where both people feel safe enough to be imperfect.

The Deeper Meaning Behind the Trend
While shrekking might sound like just another silly buzzword, there’s a deeper cultural undertone. Shrek, as a character, has always symbolized the idea that real love happens when we accept each other’s flaws. Fiona doesn’t fall for Shrek despite his ogre-ish qualities—she falls for him because of them.
That message is especially powerful today, when curated dating profiles and polished online personas dominate. Shrekking offers a way of cutting through the surface-level gloss and seeing if there’s a genuine connection underneath.
It also aligns with the growing movement toward authentic relationships. These relationships are built on laughter and shared vulnerability. They involve a willingness to embrace the awkward parts of being human.
Should You Try Shrekking?
If you’re tired of formal dates that feel more like job interviews, shrekking might be the refresh you need. It doesn’t mean you should abandon courtesy or effort—it’s not about being careless. Instead, it’s about being brave enough to drop the mask and let someone see who you really are.
Here are some tips if you want to try it:
- Lead with humor – Even a small joke can set a relaxed tone.
- Don’t fear awkwardness – Sometimes the best stories come from moments that didn’t go “perfectly.”
- Choose fun settings – Environments like escape rooms, comedy shows, or goofy cooking classes make it easier to shrek.
- Balance it out – Humor works best when it’s paired with genuine interest and kindness.
Final Thoughts
Shrekking might be a lighthearted term. At its core, it’s about something meaningful. It’s about dropping the pressure to be perfect and embracing authentic connection. Laughing at your own clumsiness is part of it. Quoting an old animated movie also counts. Just leaning into quirky moments that make dating unpredictable is another aspect. Shrekking reminds us that love doesn’t always look like a fairytale. It often looks like two imperfect people laughing together.
So, the next time you’re on a date, consider channeling your inner ogre. Who knows? You might just find that happily ever after isn’t about glass slippers at all. It’s about mud baths, onion layers, and a whole lot of laughter.
