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shrimp up

C1 slang inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To make your body curl up small, like a shrimp.

Literal meaning: To become shaped like a shrimp — the image is transparent once explained.

Meanings

1 C1 idiomatic slang

To draw oneself into a small, curved position.

"The child shrimped up under the blanket to keep warm."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Extremely rare and non-standard. Almost never encountered in written or spoken English. May appear in regional dialects. Learners should avoid this phrase in formal or standard contexts. Likely derived from the physical shape of a shrimp.

Commonly used with

cold fear corner bed

Forms

Base
shrimp up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
shrimps up
he/she/it
Past simple
shrimped up
yesterday
Past participle
shrimped up
have + pp
-ing form
shrimping up
continuous

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