Top 33 Slang For Horror – Meaning & Usage

Horror enthusiasts, get ready to elevate your spooky lexicon with our curated list of terrifying slang terms that are sure to send shivers down your spine. From eerie expressions to bone-chilling phrases, we’ve got you covered with the latest and greatest in the world of horror jargon. Join us as we explore the dark and mysterious realm of slang for horror and immerse yourself in the chilling language of fear.

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1. Terrorific

This word is a combination of “terrifying” and “terrific”, and is used to describe something that is both frightening and fantastic. It is often used to describe horror movies, stories, or experiences that are exceptionally scary and enjoyable at the same time.

For example, “That horror movie was absolutely terrorific! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.”
A horror fan might say, “I love reading terrorific novels that keep me up all night.”
Someone might describe a haunted house attraction as, “The haunted house was so well-designed, it was terrorific!”

2. Bloodcurdler

This term refers to something that is extremely scary or horrifying, to the point of making one’s blood curdle. It is often used to describe horror movies, stories, or moments that evoke intense fear or disgust.

For instance, “That scene in the movie where the monster jumped out was a real bloodcurdler!”
A horror enthusiast might say, “I love watching bloodcurdlers that give me nightmares for weeks.”
Someone might describe a particularly gruesome horror novel as, “This book is a real bloodcurdler. It made my stomach turn.”

3. Macabre

This word refers to something that is disturbingly dark, eerie, or gruesome. It is often associated with themes of death, horror, or the supernatural. The term “macabre” is used to describe artwork, literature, or events that explore the morbid or grotesque aspects of life.

For example, “The artist’s macabre paintings depicted scenes of death and decay.”
A horror fan might say, “I enjoy reading macabre stories that delve into the darkest corners of the human psyche.”
Someone might describe a haunted house with realistic props and creepy atmosphere as, “The haunted house had a macabre vibe that sent shivers down my spine.”

4. Bone-chilling

This term describes something that is extremely frightening or chilling to the core. It is often used to describe horror movies, stories, or moments that evoke a sense of dread, fear, or unease.

For instance, “The ghostly apparition in the movie was bone-chilling. It gave me nightmares for days!”
A horror enthusiast might say, “I love watching bone-chilling thrillers that keep me on the edge of my seat.”
Someone might describe a particularly suspenseful horror novel as, “This book is bone-chilling. It made my heart race with every page.”

5. Nightmarish

This word is used to describe something that resembles or evokes a nightmare, which is a dream filled with intense fear, horror, or anxiety. It is often used to describe horror movies, stories, or situations that are deeply unsettling or terrifying.

For example, “The twisted creatures in the movie were nightmarish. They haunted my dreams for weeks.”
A horror fan might say, “I enjoy reading nightmarish tales that blur the line between reality and the supernatural.”
Someone might describe a particularly disturbing horror video game as, “The game’s nightmarish atmosphere and unsettling visuals made it hard to sleep at night.”

6. Ghastly

Ghastly is an adjective used to describe something that is extremely frightening or horrifying.

For example, “The horror movie had a ghastly scene that left the audience terrified.”
A person might say, “The haunted house had a ghastly atmosphere that sent shivers down my spine.”
Another might describe a nightmare as, “I had a ghastly dream last night that I couldn’t shake off.”

7. Eerie

Eerie is an adjective used to describe something that is strange, mysterious, and unsettling, often creating a feeling of unease or discomfort.

For instance, “The abandoned house had an eerie silence that made me feel uneasy.”
A person might say, “The foggy forest had an eerie atmosphere as if something supernatural was lurking.”
Another might describe a horror movie as, “The eerie music and dim lighting set the perfect mood for the terrifying scenes.”

8. Dreadful

Dreadful is an adjective used to describe something that is extremely unpleasant, shocking, or causing great fear or anxiety.

For example, “The characters in the horror movie met a dreadful fate.”
A person might say, “The haunted asylum had a dreadful history of torture and suffering.”
Another might describe a terrifying experience as, “I had a dreadful encounter with a ghost in that old house.”

9. Gory

Gory is an adjective used to describe something that is excessively bloody, gruesome, or involving a lot of bloodshed or violence.

For instance, “The horror movie had several gory scenes with graphic violence.”
A person might say, “I can’t handle gory movies because they make me nauseous.”
Another might describe a crime scene as, “The murder scene was incredibly gory, with blood splattered everywhere.”

10. Sinister

Sinister is an adjective used to describe something that is evil, threatening, or giving the impression of harm or danger.

For example, “The abandoned mansion had a sinister aura that made everyone feel uneasy.”
A person might say, “The antagonist in the horror movie had a sinister smile that sent chills down my spine.”
Another might describe a character as, “The sinister villain plotted to unleash terror on the world.”

11. Petrifying

This word is used to describe something that is extremely frightening or causing intense fear.

For example, “That horror movie was so petrifying, I couldn’t sleep for days.”
Another usage could be, “The haunted house was filled with petrifying sights and sounds.”
A person might say, “The petrifying atmosphere of the abandoned asylum gave me chills.”

12. Horrific

This term is used to describe something that is extremely shocking, dreadful, or causing horror.

For instance, “The crime scene was horrific, with bloodstains everywhere.”
A person might say, “The movie’s special effects created some truly horrific scenes.”
Another usage could be, “The haunted house had a horrific history of tragic events.”

13. Creepy-crawly

This phrase is used to describe something that is eerie, giving a sense of discomfort or fear.

For example, “I hate spiders, they give me the creepy-crawlies.”
A person might say, “The sound of footsteps in the dark gave me the creepy-crawlies.”
Another usage could be, “The creepy-crawly atmosphere of the haunted forest was enough to make anyone uneasy.”

14. Creepshow

This term refers to a horror-themed entertainment or event that is intended to be unsettling or frightening.

For instance, “The carnival was a creepshow, with creepy clowns and haunted attractions.”
A person might say, “The horror movie marathon was a creepshow of terrifying films.”
Another usage could be, “The abandoned house was transformed into a creepshow for Halloween.”

15. Shocktober

This word is a portmanteau of “shock” and “October” and is used to refer to the month of October, which is associated with horror-themed events and activities.

For example, “I can’t wait for Shocktober, it’s my favorite time of the year for horror movies.”
A person might say, “The haunted house is hosting special events throughout Shocktober.”
Another usage could be, “Many people decorate their homes with spooky decorations during Shocktober.”

16. Creepypasta

Creepypasta refers to a genre of horror-themed stories or images that are shared on the internet. These stories are often designed to be unsettling or creepy, and they can range from short written pieces to longer narratives with accompanying images or videos.

For example, “Have you read that new creepypasta about the haunted video game?”
A user might share a link to a creepypasta and say, “This one gave me chills!”
In a discussion about internet horror, someone might ask, “What’s the scariest creepypasta you’ve ever come across?”

17. Urban legend

An urban legend is a type of folklore or myth that typically circulates in modern times. These stories are often presented as true accounts and are passed down through word of mouth or other forms of communication. Urban legends often involve elements of horror or the supernatural, and they can be based on real events or entirely fictional.

For instance, “Have you heard the urban legend about the ghost hitchhiker?”
A person might share an urban legend and say, “I heard this story from a friend of a friend who swears it’s true.”
In a discussion about spooky tales, someone might ask, “What’s your favorite urban legend?”

18. Monster movie

A monster movie is a type of film that focuses on creatures or monsters as the central antagonist or source of horror. These movies often involve larger-than-life creatures, such as vampires, werewolves, or giant monsters, and they typically feature elements of suspense, action, and fright.

For example, “I love watching monster movies during Halloween.”
A person might recommend a monster movie and say, “If you’re a fan of classic horror, you have to watch this one.”
In a discussion about favorite movie genres, someone might say, “I’m a huge fan of monster movies, especially ones with practical effects.”

19. Gothic horror

Gothic horror refers to a specific style of horror literature or film that emerged in the 18th century. It often features elements such as dark, atmospheric settings, supernatural occurrences, and intense emotions. Gothic horror is known for its emphasis on mood and atmosphere, as well as its exploration of themes related to death, the supernatural, and the human psyche.

For instance, “Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’ is a classic example of gothic horror.”
A person might recommend a gothic horror novel and say, “If you’re into atmospheric and eerie stories, this one is a must-read.”
In a discussion about favorite horror subgenres, someone might ask, “Who are your favorite gothic horror authors?”

20. Psychological horror

Psychological horror is a subgenre of horror that focuses on the psychological aspects of fear and terror. It often explores themes related to the human mind, such as insanity, paranoia, or trauma. Psychological horror movies or books are known for their ability to unsettle and disturb audiences by playing with their perceptions and emotions.

For example, “The movie ‘Psycho’ is a classic example of psychological horror.”
A person might recommend a psychological horror game and say, “This game messes with your mind in the best possible way.”
In a discussion about the scariest movies, someone might ask, “What’s the most intense psychological horror film you’ve ever seen?”

21. Creep-out

A “creep-out” refers to a situation that makes someone feel uncomfortable or gives them a sense of unease. It can be used to describe a scary or eerie experience.

For example, “That movie gave me a real creep-out.”
Someone might say, “Walking alone in the dark always gives me a creep-out.”
A person sharing a spooky story might start with, “I had the biggest creep-out last night…”

22. Shocker

A “shocker” is an unexpected or startling event that catches someone off guard. It can be used to describe a sudden scare or a twist in a horror story.

For instance, “The ending of that movie was a real shocker!”
A person might react to a scary moment by saying, “That jump scare was a total shocker.”
Someone sharing a scary experience might start with, “I had the biggest shocker of my life last night…”

23. Frightening

Something that is “frightening” is extremely scary or terrifying. It can be used to describe a situation, a person, or an object that induces fear.

For example, “That haunted house was absolutely frightening.”
A person might say, “The sound of footsteps in an empty house is always frightening.”
Someone sharing a chilling story might start with, “I had the most frightening encounter last night…”

24. Spookfest

A “spookfest” is an event or situation that is filled with scares or spooky elements. It can be used to describe a horror-themed gathering, a haunted attraction, or a particularly eerie environment.

For instance, “The Halloween party was a total spookfest.”
A person might say, “That abandoned house is a real spookfest.”
Someone describing a scary movie might say, “It’s a classic spookfest with jump scares and creepy atmosphere.”

25. Terrorthon

A “terrorthon” is a marathon of terrifying movies or shows. It is a combination of the words “terror” and “marathon” and is often used to describe a binge-watching session of horror content.

For example, “We’re having a terrorthon this weekend, watching all the scariest movies.”
A person might say, “I love having a terrorthon during Halloween.”
Someone planning a horror movie night might say, “Let’s have a terrorthon with all the classics.”

26. Bone-chiller

This term refers to a movie or story that is extremely frightening and gives the viewer or reader chills down their spine. A bone-chiller typically has a suspenseful plot, intense scares, and a creepy atmosphere.

For example, “The Conjuring” is a bone-chiller that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
A horror fan might say, “I love watching bone-chillers late at night to get a good scare.”
A reviewer might describe a movie as, “This bone-chiller will have you sleeping with the lights on for weeks.”

27. Nightmarathon

This term refers to a marathon of watching multiple horror movies in a row, often done during the night or on a special occasion like Halloween. It’s a way for horror fans to immerse themselves in the genre and enjoy a night of scares and thrills.

For instance, “We’re having a nightmarathon this weekend, watching all the classic horror films.”
A group of friends might plan a nightmarathon and say, “Bring your favorite horror movies, and we’ll have a scary movie marathon.”
A horror enthusiast might post on social media, “Who’s up for a nightmarathon tonight? I’ve got a list of must-watch horror films.”

28. Scream-a-thon

This term refers to a marathon of watching horror movies that are known for their intense and scream-inducing moments. A scream-a-thon is all about getting scared and screaming along with the characters in the movies.

For example, “We had a scream-a-thon last night and couldn’t stop screaming during the jump scares.”
A horror movie lover might invite their friends to a scream-a-thon and say, “Get ready to scream your lungs out with our horror movie marathon.”
Someone might tweet, “I just watched ‘A Quiet Place’ for the first time. It turned into a scream-a-thon!”

29. Shriekfest

This term refers to a film festival dedicated to showcasing horror movies. Shriekfest is a gathering of horror enthusiasts, filmmakers, and fans who come together to celebrate the genre and enjoy a variety of scary films.

For instance, “I’m attending Shriekfest this year to watch the latest horror films and meet fellow horror fans.”
A filmmaker might submit their horror movie to Shriekfest and say, “I’m thrilled to be part of the Shriekfest lineup this year.”
A horror fan might write a blog post about their experience at Shriekfest and say, “Attending Shriekfest was a dream come true for a horror lover like me.”

30. Macabre-mania

This term refers to a strong fascination or obsession with all things dark, eerie, and macabre. It encompasses an interest in horror movies, creepy art, spooky literature, and anything that evokes a sense of darkness and horror.

For example, “She has a serious case of macabre-mania. Her room is filled with horror movie posters and creepy dolls.”
A horror enthusiast might describe themselves as having macabre-mania and say, “I can’t get enough of horror movies and all things spooky.”
Someone might comment on a macabre-themed Instagram account and say, “Your posts feed my macabre-mania. Keep up the creepy content!”

31. Fright flick

This term is used to refer to a horror film, typically one that aims to frighten or terrify the audience. It is a colloquial and informal way to describe a horror movie.

For example, “Let’s watch a fright flick tonight and get scared.”
A horror enthusiast might say, “I love collecting classic fright flicks from the 80s.”
A person recommending a movie might say, “If you’re in the mood for a good fright flick, I suggest watching ‘The Conjuring’.”

32. Chiller

This term is used to describe a scary or suspenseful movie, often with elements of horror or mystery. It refers to a film that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats and evokes a sense of fear or anticipation.

For instance, “I’m in the mood for a chiller tonight, something that will keep me guessing.”
A person discussing their favorite movies might say, “I enjoy a good chiller with a twist ending.”
A film critic might describe a movie as “a gripping chiller that will leave you breathless.”

33. Creepfest

This term is used to describe a horror movie or event that is filled with creepy or unsettling elements. It refers to a gathering or collection of things that are eerie, spooky, or disturbing.

For example, “The new horror film festival is a real creepfest, with a lineup of terrifying movies.”
A horror fan might say, “I can’t wait to attend the creepfest and experience all the scares.”
A person describing a haunted house attraction might say, “It’s a total creepfest inside, with jump scares at every corner.”