A small mouse-like mammal with a venomous bite, or a bad-tempered, argumentative woman.
From Old English 'shrewe' possibly meaning biter or shrewd creature. The animal name came first, then the human meaning evolved as an insult comparing women to the aggressive animal.
The animal 'shrew' is actually one of nature's fiercest hunters despite being tiny—it paralyzes prey with venom and eats constantly. Shakespeare's 'The Taming of the Shrew' used the insult to describe strong-willed women, but it's ironic because shrews are incredibly tough survivors.
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