1. slang An abbreviation of the word "freshmen," especially in reference to a first-year college or university student (used in both singular and plural constructions.) Sometimes spelled without an apostrophe. Primarily heard in US. She could have any guy she wants, but she's going out with some nerdy 'shmen from the school of engineering. The dude isn't even old enough to drink! I hate this part of the campus. It's always overrun with shmen!

2. slang A student who is accepted into the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA), a three-year high school that begins at grade 10, as an eighth-grader. Also an abbreviation of the word "freshmen," although unlike the first definition, the nickname is applied to such students throughout their time at IMSA. Primarily heard in US. After having a particularly rough time adapting to life at IMSA fresh out of eight grade, I decided to set up a support group for incoming 'shmen who might be feeling overwhelmed.