Yes, folks, there's yet another key term that we need to add to our ever-growing dating vocabulary.

Just when we thought it couldn't possibly get more complicated, as we navigate through a flood of dating trends like 'cookie jarring', 'roaching', 'zombieing', and the notorious 'Ben stage', we're now faced with a new one that comes with an even stranger name.

You might have noticed the term 'Shrekking' appearing online in recent days, and there's a valid reason for that.

As we approach the 'cuffing season'—a time during the chilly autumn and winter months when entering a romantic relationship becomes particularly appealing—more and more singles are eager to find someone to cozy up with when the weather limits our outdoor activities.

However, be cautious, as you might fall prey to 'Shrekking', and believe us, this is one trend you definitely want to steer clear of.

Careful guys, there's yet another dating trend doing the rounds... (momcilog / Getty Images)

What is 'Shrekking'?

This new dating trend essentially involves deliberately dating someone you're not really attracted to, with the hope that they will treat you better than those who are more 'attractive'.

Yes, it involves singles engaging in what they consider 'dating down', choosing someone they perceive as 'below' their usual standards, appearance-wise.

However, if one does go through with this and still ends up being mistreated or heartbroken, then they've been 'Shrekked'.

In case it wasn't already obvious, the term draws inspiration from the unlikely romance between the ogre Shrek and Princess Fiona in the popular animated series.

In summary, it's not a pleasant concept.

Are you guilty of 'Shrekking'? (Aleksandr Zubkov / Getty Images)

Response to 'Shrekking'

The new buzzword has been circulating on social media for a few days now, with many eager to express their opinions on it.

"So now there’s 'Shrekking'. Dating someone that’s unattractive in hopes that they’ll treat you better," one X user explained.

Another user joked: "When you get the super hot girlfriend but it’s during the Shrekking trend."

"I like Shrekking BUT I don't like to get shrekked," a third person admitted, while a fourth lamented: "I guess everyone really is shrekking."

A fifth added: "So now there’s 'Shrekking'. Dating someone that’s unattractive in hopes that they’ll treat you better."

"Orbiting and breadcrumbing are ancient history. Just learned about Shrekking and cookie jarring," another commented. "Dating isn’t a love life anymore, it’s a side quest."

And a final X user echoed: "Ghosting, lovebombing, breadcrumbing, shrekking, throning, paperclipping, benching—modern dating needs a whole semester worth of lectures!"

Many people have confessed to either 'Shrekking' or getting 'Shrekked' (Delmaine Donson / Getty Images)

An expert's take

Dating coach Amy Chan told USA Today: "The term might be new, but the behavior isn’t.

"Many people have placed less emphasis on looks or hoped attraction would develop over time, and that in itself isn’t inherently bad. The problem arises when someone assumes that just because they’re dating ‘down’ in looks, they’ll automatically be treated better."

Of course, there needs to be a basic level of attraction for two individuals to thrive in a romantic and sexual relationship, but the concept of a 'dating hierarchy' is rather dismal to contemplate.

Reducing people to specific traits or appearances not only fuels toxic dating dynamics but, more importantly, it misses the point entirely, as a person’s personality, values, life goals, character, etc., aren’t guaranteed to be 10/10 just because they fall outside conventional beauty standards.

Whether someone is loving or cruel, respectful or not, how they treat you isn’t determined by where you perceive them to rank on an imaginary 'fit factor' scale.