shock horror

shock horror

Ironically used to indicate that something is not surprising or horrific in the slighted. The CEO's comments about women being better suited to raising children has led to—shock horror—a huge and scathing backlash against him across the internet. Shock horror, my kids weren't too keen to try my new kale and broccoli casserole.
See also: horror, shock
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

shock horror

INFORMAL
People say shock horror to show that they are aware that people might be shocked or surprised by something they say. I felt intellectually superior despite — shock horror — my lack of qualifications. I even, shock horror, like the smell of fresh sweat on a woman. Note: This expression is used humorously.
See also: horror, shock
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

shock horror

used as an ironically exaggerated reaction to something shocking.
The expression encapsulates the hyperbole of newspaper headlines, especially those in tabloid papers.
2003 Film Inside Out She encourages one of the girls to consider a career in law—shock horror! – rather than deny her intellect and settle for homemaking.
See also: horror, shock
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

ˌshock ˈhorror

(British English, informal, often humorous) used when you pretend to be shocked by something that is not really very serious or surprising: Shock horror! You’re actually on time for once!
See also: horror, shock
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • blow the lid off
  • blow the lid off (something)
  • blow the lid off something
  • lift
  • run counter to
  • run counter to (someone or something)
  • blow the whistle
  • blow the whistle (on) (someone or something)
  • blow the whistle on
  • blow the whistle on someone/something
References in periodicals archive
Shock horror Mr McDonald, but being slightly right of centre on the political spectrum does not mean a party automatically wants to privatise the NHS, and to suggest otherwise is absolute nonsense.
Tired myth about NHS and Tories; LETTERS
But, shock horror, when I pulled them back into action outside the Beckbury Fryer, they had malfunctioned.
CHEAP AS CHIPS
Shock horror, men have been asked the same, with zero fallout.
Hysteria has gone too far
Shock horror, the 40-year-old dared go out in public without dying her roots.
How dare Mona Zaki go out in public without dying her grey roots?
The usual people on Facebook all trying to out grieve each other in their shock horror at this cruel act.
Why is one atrocity worse than another?
But what makes this film different from other body shock horror stories, is that as well as gigantic hips, these ladies have got the jumbo-sized confidence to go with it.
WE LOVE REAL-LIFE
Increasing economic and environmental pressures on cocoa farmers mean - shock horror - we could actually run out of the stuff!
ON THE UP THE UP DOWN
He had planned to use the show to try out new material but decided at the last minute on a hit-strewn show that took in anthems such as Grace, Wasted Little DJs and Shock Horror.
Gourock and roll; THE Razz
Remember Cait Reilly - the uppity graduate - who having been told she'd have to EARN (shock horror) her Jobseekers Allowance by working in Poundland claimed it was slave labour and a breach of her human rights?
Clever clog is lucky to have a job
She's an actress first and foremost, but, as she's recently proved, the Oxo mother likes to dabble in a spot of writing and also enjoys a good gossip with her fellow Loose Women, and shock horror; she can also cook apparently!
BEST MEALS ON WHEELS
Anthem Sunday and Shock Horror brou set to a close.
THE VIEW Caird Hall, Dundee, April 4
We won't spoil the opening episode by revealing too much, but it introduces the new Doctor and Amy with style, panache and a few laughs too as everyone's favourite Time Lord tries to save the world in just 20 minutes - without help from his trusty Tardis and, shock horror, his sonic screwdriver.
Saturday's TV
Oh, and if that is not criminal enough behaviour, they are accused of hindering patients' wellness with their own unhealthy habits because - shock horror - some nurses, doctors, etc, actually have the audacity to be a bit overweight and some of them even smoke and drink!
Lay off the NHS; LETTERS to the EDITOR
No, shock horror, you don't say,well you could have knocked me down with a old rolled-up Examiner.
Hard line on travellers
HORROR: Cindy shock HORROR: Cindy shock Meanwhile, Emma Summerhayes pieces together the evidence and finally has a lightbulb moment.
Love me do