Shock horror Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Literal Meaning Used when something is genuinely surprising or appalling. I saw the haunted house and, shock horror, it really had a ghost! Pro Tip 2/3Dramatic Effect Often used to emphasize the impact of a revelation or incident. She walked in and, shock horror, the whole room was decorated for her birthday. Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Intensity Can communicate a strong emotional response, usually negative. He read the note and, shock horror, his face went pale.