Would you like to point out that someone is shy, or that they shy away from everyone in the group as a typical introvert? The phrase 'shrinking violet' is a common saying that can be used in reference or direct speech, though it is not common everywhere in the world. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this saying.
Meaning
The phrase 'shrinking violet' is used to mean that someone is shy or introverted.
A 'shrinking violet' can be used as a descriptive phrase about someone, though might also appear as a reference in direct speech being said to someone.
If you call someone a 'shrinking violet' to mean that they are shy or reserved, the phrase is usually said with kindness instead of malice or sarcasm.
The phrase can is more common in reference to women than men, though it can be used to reference any sex or gender.
The phrase can be used to refer to one person or several, with its adaptation to plural as 'shrinking violets'.
The term is similar to calling someone out as a 'wallflower' in conversation, and the term 'shrinking violet' implies the same: that they are reserved, quiet, or shy.
There is no need to capitalize the term 'violet' thanks to the fact that is used as a common plant name.
Due to the origin of the phrase, the term 'shrinking violet' as a descriptive reference to a person is more common in the United Kingdom and Australia. Use of the phrase 'shrinking violet' is less common in US English, but has spread thanks to its use through social media.
Example Usage
“She was dressed up real nice in her purple suit, but she was still feeling too shy to go to the party. I've never seen someone who was more of a shrinking violet in my entire life.”
“Well, aren't the two of you real shrinking violets? Don't just sit there in the corner, flash your grins and get some of those other guys over there to buy you a beer.”
“Don't just sit there looking pretty like a shrinking violet. Get out there and put your pretty face somewhere on a dating site. You might get murdered or used for stock image ads in a foreign country, but you also might find the right one.”
“If you want to go and be a shrinking violet on your own, go for it. I'm going to that party, and I'm bringing someone home. Don't wait up.”
Origin
The phrase 'shrinking violet' is claimed to have originated in the United Kingdom, with the selective breeding of the common violet until the plant developed more desirable characteristics.
Use of the term 'shrinking violet' as a reference to someone is rare outside of the UK, but the term has become much more common elsewhere thanks to its use on social media.
The phrase came into heavier popular use throughout the nineties, and would become more popular in the early-2000s thanks to message boards. Later popularity of the term can be partially credited to its use on social media.
Urban Dictionary records the term 'shrinking violet' from 2007.
Phrases Similar to Shrinking Violet
- Wallflower
Phrases Opposite to Shrinking Violet
- N/a
What is the Correct Saying?
- Shrinking violet
- Shrinking violets
Ways People May Say Shrinking Violet Incorrectly
There are several ways in which someone can use the term 'shrinking violet' in the wrong way, or misunderstand the meaning of the term when it is used.
The term 'shrinking violet' is a common figurative reference used in UK English to refer to someone shy or reserved, but the phrase can easily get lost in translation for any languages (or areas) where the phrase is less known.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Shrinking Violet
The acceptable way to use the term 'shrinking violet' is to use it to describe someone who is shy, quiet or reserved with positive implications.
The phrase can be used as a direct reference, or used when speaking about someone.
Both 'shrinking violet' and 'shrinking violets' are acceptable uses of the phrase.