'shrimp' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'shrimpe', which is likely related to Old English forms such as 'scrimpan' meaning 'to contract' or 'to shrink'.

'shrimp' changed from Middle English 'shrimpe' and through regular sound changes and spelling simplification became the modern English word 'shrimp'.

Initially, it often meant 'a thin or shriveled person' (a small or contracted thing/person), but over time it came to be used primarily for the small marine crustacean and for the figurative sense 'small/insignificant person'.