shocker

American  

[shok-er] / ˈʃɒk ər /

noun

1. a person or thing that shocks. shock.

2. a sensational novel, play, etc.

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shocker British  

/ ˈʃɒkə /

noun

1. a person or thing that shocks or horrifies

2. a sensational novel, film, or play

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Etymology

Origin of shocker

First recorded in 1780–90; shock ¹ + -er ¹

Example Sentences

For three decades, the meta-horror franchise “Scream” has outmaneuvered its fandom with so many convoluted murder motives that the only shocker left would be a straightforward, sincere slasher.

From Los Angeles Times

"What were they doing?," lamented former England centre Will Greenwood in his Sunday Telegraph column, with the 2003 World Cup-winner adding: "I love Ford but that was a shocker of a call."

From Barron's

"The referee looked like he blew and looked like he was listening to someone in his ear, so I'm assuming the linesman gave the decision, and it's absolute shocker."

From BBC

"It is a real shocker for him, for us and for England."

From BBC

There were suspicions in the first Test that all might not be well with Snicko and the technology had an all-time shocker on the first day of the third Test in Adelaide.

From BBC

Related Words

• close call