The term "blackened" is an adjective that describes something that has been burned or scorched, typically by heat. It can also refer to a cooking technique where food is seared in hot oil and then finished with black pepper, salt, and other seasonings for added flavor. In this context, the term "blackened" would imply that the shrimp has been cooked using the blackening method, resulting in a crispy exterior and spicy, savory taste.