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Shocker Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shocker

[ˈʃɒkə ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

news

A person or thing that shocks or surprises others, especially by doing something unexpected or outrageous.

Synonyms

bombshell, revelation, surprise.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shocker

Used to describe news or an event that is extremely surprising and often disturbing. This word carries a slightly negative connotation.

  • The news of his resignation was a real shocker.
  • Her decision to drop out of school came as a shocker to her parents.
surprise

A more general term that can describe any event or fact that is unexpected, whether positive or negative. It is less intense than 'shocker' or 'bombshell'.

  • They threw a surprise party for her birthday.
  • It was a pleasant surprise to see him at the event.
bombshell

Typically used to describe news or a piece of information that is surprising and unexpected, often with significant impact. It usually has a dramatic connotation.

  • The announcement of their divorce was a bombshell.
  • They dropped a bombshell when they revealed the company was going bankrupt.
revelation

Commonly used to describe a previously unknown fact that has been disclosed, often involving some kind of uncovering or enlightenment.

  • His book is full of startling revelations about the government.
  • The revelation of the true nature of their relationship shocked everyone.

Examples of usage

  • The announcement that she was leaving the company was a real shocker for everyone.
  • The results of the election were a complete shocker to the public.
Context #2 | Noun

movie

A movie or story with a plot twist or unexpected turn of events that shocks the audience.

Synonyms

plot twist, surprise ending, twist.

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Word Description / Examples
shocker

This word is often used in a casual or informal setting to describe something very surprising or astonishing that catches someone off guard. It can have a negative tone depending on the situation.

  • The latest episode of the series was a real shocker; I didn't see that coming at all!
  • When he announced his resignation, it was a shocker to everyone in the office.
twist

The word 'twist' is a more general term that can be used in various contexts to describe an unexpected change of events. While it is commonly used in storytelling, it can also apply to real-life situations.

  • There was an unexpected twist in the investigation when new evidence emerged.
  • The story took a shocking twist just when I thought I had everything figured out.
surprise ending

This phrase is used when discussing the conclusion of a story that contains an unexpected turn of events or an unforeseen conclusion. It is typically used in literature, film, or other forms of storytelling.

  • The book had a surprise ending that left me thinking about it for days.
  • Everyone was talking about the surprise ending to the series finale; it was so unexpected!
plot twist

This term is commonly used in discussions related to narratives, such as books, movies, or television shows. It specifically refers to an unexpected development in the storyline that changes the direction or understanding of the plot.

  • The movie was full of unexpected plot twists that kept the audience on the edge of their seats.
  • I love how the author included a plot twist at the end of the novel; it completely changed my perspective on the story.

Examples of usage

  • The movie had so many shockers, it kept the audience on the edge of their seats.
  • The book's ending was a real shocker, leaving readers stunned.
Context #3 | Noun

sports

An unexpected outcome in a sports event that surprises fans and competitors.

Synonyms

surprise win, unexpected victory, upset.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shocker

Used to describe an event or news that is highly surprising and often carries a negative connotation.

  • The news of the company's bankruptcy was a real shocker for everyone.
  • It was a shocker when they announced the sudden cancellation of the festival.
upset

Commonly used in a sports context to describe a significant and surprising defeat of a favored competitor by an underdog, often carries a dramatic tone.

  • The heavyweight boxer suffered an upset against the less experienced fighter.
  • Their victory was a major upset in the world of professional tennis.
surprise win

Typically used in sports or competitions when a competitor wins against all odds, but it does not usually carry a negative connotation.

  • Her surprise win in the 100-meter dash left the audience in awe.
  • The team's surprise win in the finals brought immense joy to their fans.
unexpected victory

Describes a victory that was not anticipated and is often used in formal or neutral contexts.

  • The underdog team's unexpected victory was a highlight of the tournament.
  • He achieved an unexpected victory in the election against a well-known opponent.

Examples of usage

  • The underdog team winning the championship was a real shocker in sports history.
  • His victory in the race was a shocker to all the other competitors.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In movies and TV shows, a 'shocker' often refers to a plot twist that leaves the audience stunned.
  • The term has also been associated with various musical acts, such as the band 'Shocker' in the punk rock scene.

Science

  • In electrical engineering, a 'shocker' can refer to unexpected high voltages that cause harm when improperly handled.
  • The body's response to a shock can trigger the 'fight or flight' response in stressful situations.

Psychology

  • Surprising events can cause a strong emotional response, often linked to feelings of fear, excitement, or disbelief.
  • The brain's reaction to shocking news is often related to how it processes and interprets unexpected information.

Literature

  • In storytelling, 'shocking' moments often serve to engage the reader and propel the narrative forward.
  • Famous novels often include plot twists that become known as 'shocking' for their unexpected developments, igniting discussions among readers.

Origin of 'shocker'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originated in the late 19th century and was used to describe electric shocks.
  • It evolved into a colloquial term by the 20th century, indicating anything that caused surprise or astonishment.

The word "shocker" originated in the late 19th century, derived from the verb "shock" which means to cause great surprise or disgust to someone. It has been used to describe surprising or outrageous events, stories, or outcomes in various contexts such as news, movies, and sports.

See also: shock, shocked, shocking, shockingly, shocks.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,707 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.