shock-horror

adjective

1. facetious.
   (esp of newspaper headlines) sensationalistic

   shock-horror stories about the British diet

Word History and Origins

Origin of shock-horror¹

C20: shock ¹+ horror

Example Sentences

“There is the risk that if names leak out after a time it becomes a great shock-horror,” he said, adding that it would be better to make a virtue of transparency.

From New York Times

As for the shock-horror on both the Sandersian left and the Trumpian right about her reported aspiration for a “hemispheric common market” with “open trade and open borders,” however — it’s wrongheaded and hyped.

From Washington Post

Wasted lives, the worst suffering on the planet in our time, the shock-horror of Assad’s alleged cruelties?

From Salon

Even so, he doesn't regret the shock-horror headlines, and isn't worried that they might have put people off jogging.

From BBC

The shock-horror acquittal of Rebekah Brooks was not a huge surprise to those who have been in court for the past few months.

From The Guardian