i have seen these before. but i don't know what they're called. and i've seen them on men. they're not necessarily super tight skinny jeans, just very very slim, almost tight fitting shorts that come right above the knee. do any of you know what these are called?

I'd probably just refer to them as denim 'cut-offs'?

I'd go with cut-offs as well - can't say I've seen them in any of the stores I frequent however.

Does it look like this?

yeah i havent seen them in any stores too. get yourself a pair, maybe even womens from savers(thrifty clothes store)and go at em. its a heck of a lot cheaper and guaranteed to be a one off.

Wasn't it big last year?
I remember seeing a lot of guys around Sydney wearing them.
Try ebay, since most stores would have probably moved on.

As suggested above I'd take the customization route - go find a pair of denim that fit as you want and then take the legs off. You'll end with exactly the fit, colour and hem that you want.

Did you want something like these, or skinnier?

http://www.au.shopping.com/xGS-capri%20pants%20men~NS-1~linkin_id-8023093

If so, do searches for capri pants for men, or similar.

Also try Tsubi/Ksubi stowaway shorts
There's too many pictures on ebay to post.
Also I suck at it.

I have a pair :D

You can get them from most 'demin' stores, but I don't think they're that prevalent during Winter.

Best of luck!