Top 42 Slang For Scary – Meaning & Usage

Looking for some spine-chilling slang to add to your vocabulary? Look no further! We’ve gathered a list of the most bone-chilling slang words for scary that will send shivers down your spine. From hair-raising to heart-stopping, these words will have you feeling like you’re in a horror movie. Get ready to be frightfully entertained!

Click above to generate some slangs

1. Spooky

Spooky is used to describe something that causes a feeling of fear or unease. It often refers to something that is supernatural or otherworldly in nature.

  • For example, “That abandoned house gives me the creeps. It’s so spooky.”
  • During Halloween, people decorate their homes with spooky decorations like ghosts and witches.
  • A horror movie might be described as spooky due to its suspenseful atmosphere and creepy visuals.

2. Creepy

Creepy is used to describe something or someone that causes a feeling of unease or disgust. It often refers to something that is strange, unsettling, or gives off a sense of danger.

  • For instance, “I saw a creepy shadow lurking in the corner of my room.”
  • A person might say, “That guy gives me the creeps. He always stares without blinking.”
  • A horror story might feature a creepy character who haunts the protagonist.

3. Terrifying

Terrifying is used to describe something that causes extreme fear or terror. It often refers to something that is extremely scary, horrifying, or shocking.

  • For example, “The haunted house was filled with terrifying sights and sounds.”
  • A person might say, “I had a terrifying nightmare last night. It felt so real.”
  • A horror movie with jump scares and intense suspense can be described as terrifying.

4. Hair-raising

Hair-raising is used to describe something that is extremely frightening or causes a strong feeling of fear. It often refers to something that is so scary that it makes one’s hair stand on end.

  • For instance, “The ghostly apparition was a hair-raising sight.”
  • A person might say, “That roller coaster ride was so intense, it was truly hair-raising.”
  • A horror novel might have a hair-raising twist that shocks the reader.

5. Chilling

Chilling is used to describe something that is unsettling or causes a feeling of coldness or fear. It often refers to something that is disturbing or creates a sense of foreboding.

  • For example, “The chilling sound of footsteps echoed through the empty hallway.”
  • A person might say, “The documentary about serial killers was chilling and made me question humanity.”
  • A suspenseful thriller can be described as chilling due to its tense atmosphere and psychological twists.

6. Bone-chilling

This term describes something that is extremely frightening or causes a shiver down your spine. It refers to something that sends chills to your bones.

  • For example, “That horror movie was bone-chilling, I couldn’t sleep for days.”
  • A person might describe a haunted house as, “The atmosphere was bone-chilling, with eerie sounds and dim lighting.”
  • Another might say, “The bone-chilling scream echoed through the empty hallway, sending shivers down my spine.”

7. Goosebumps-inducing

This phrase describes something that is so scary or intense that it causes your skin to tingle and raise goosebumps. It refers to a sensation of fear or excitement.

  • For instance, “The suspenseful music in that thriller movie was goosebumps-inducing.”
  • A person might say, “The haunted house had a ghostly presence that was truly goosebumps-inducing.”
  • Another might describe a thrilling roller coaster ride as, “The sudden drops and twists were absolutely goosebumps-inducing.”

8. Heart-stopping

This term describes something that is so scary or shocking that it feels like your heart has momentarily stopped beating. It refers to a moment of intense fear or surprise.

  • For example, “The jump scare in that horror movie was heart-stopping.”
  • A person might say, “The sudden appearance of the ghost was absolutely heart-stopping.”
  • Another might describe a close call in a dangerous situation as, “It was a heart-stopping moment when the car swerved inches away from hitting me.”

9. Bloodcurdling

This term describes something that is so scary or horrifying that it makes your blood run cold. It refers to a feeling of extreme fear or terror.

  • For instance, “The bloodcurdling scream sent shivers down my spine.”
  • A person might describe a horror novel as, “The author’s vivid descriptions created a bloodcurdling atmosphere.”
  • Another might say, “The sight of the monster’s bloodcurdling grin filled me with terror.”

10. Nightmarish

This term describes something that is like a nightmare or reminiscent of a bad dream. It refers to a situation or experience that is extremely frightening or unsettling.

  • For example, “The abandoned asylum had a nightmarish quality to it.”
  • A person might say, “The dark forest at night was a nightmarish place.”
  • Another might describe a traumatic event as, “The accident left me with vivid and nightmarish memories.”

11. Petrifying

This word describes something that is extremely frightening or causing intense fear. It is often used to describe situations, experiences, or objects that evoke a strong sense of horror.

  • For example, “The haunted house was petrifying, with bloodcurdling screams and creepy figures lurking in the shadows.”
  • A person might say, “I watched a petrifying horror movie last night and couldn’t sleep.”
  • Another might describe a scary dream by saying, “I had a petrifying nightmare where I was being chased by a monster.”

12. Dreadful

This word is used to describe something that is extremely bad, terrible, or causing a sense of fear or dread. It can be used to describe both physical and emotional experiences.

  • For instance, “The storm was dreadful, with thunder and lightning shaking the entire house.”
  • A person might say, “I had a dreadful experience at the haunted house, with terrifying jump scares at every corner.”
  • Another might describe a scary movie by saying, “The movie was so dreadful, it gave me nightmares for days.”

13. Ghoulish

This word refers to something that is macabre, gruesome, or reminiscent of a ghoul. It is often used to describe things that are associated with death, horror, or the supernatural.

  • For example, “The ghoulish decorations at the Halloween party included fake blood, skeletons, and eerie music.”
  • A person might say, “I saw a ghoulish sight in the graveyard, with ghostly figures and flickering lights.”
  • Another might describe a horror novel by saying, “The author painted a ghoulish picture with vivid descriptions of murder and mayhem.”

14. Macabre

This word describes something that is disturbingly dark, gruesome, or associated with death. It is often used to describe art, literature, or situations that evoke a sense of horror or the grotesque.

  • For instance, “The macabre painting depicted a scene of decaying bodies and twisted limbs.”
  • A person might say, “I attended a macabre theater performance that explored themes of death and despair.”
  • Another might describe a horror movie by saying, “The film had a macabre atmosphere, with eerie music and unsettling visuals.”

15. Sinister

This word describes something that is threatening, evil, or suggestive of lurking danger. It is often used to describe people, actions, or situations that have a dark or malicious intent.

  • For example, “The sinister figure in the black cloak sent shivers down my spine.”
  • A person might say, “I had a sinister encounter with a stranger in the dark alley.”
  • Another might describe a suspenseful novel by saying, “The author created a sinister atmosphere with mysterious characters and unexpected plot twists.”

16. Terrific

Although “terrific” is commonly used to mean something great or fantastic, it can also be used sarcastically to describe something that is extremely frightening or scary.

  • For example, “That haunted house was absolutely terrific, I was scared out of my mind.”
  • A person might say, “I watched a horror movie last night and it was terrific, I couldn’t sleep.”
  • In a discussion about scary experiences, someone might share, “I went on a roller coaster that was so terrifying, it was absolutely terrific.”

17. Horrifying

This word is used to describe something that causes extreme fear, shock, or disgust. It emphasizes the intensity of the fear or horror experienced.

  • For instance, “The movie was so horrifying, I had nightmares for weeks.”
  • A person might describe a frightening experience by saying, “I had a horrifying encounter with a wild animal.”
  • In a discussion about scary stories, someone might share, “I read a book that was so horrifying, I couldn’t sleep at night.”

18. Frightful

Used to describe something that is extremely scary or causing fear. It emphasizes the feeling of being frightened or terrified.

  • For example, “The haunted house was filled with frightful creatures and eerie sounds.”
  • A person might describe a scary situation by saying, “I had a frightful encounter with a ghost.”
  • In a discussion about horror movies, someone might say, “I watched a frightful film that gave me nightmares.”

19. Harrowing

This word describes something that is extremely distressing, causing intense fear or anxiety. It emphasizes the emotional toll or trauma of the experience.

  • For instance, “The harrowing experience of being lost in the wilderness for days.”
  • A person might describe a terrifying event by saying, “I had a harrowing encounter with a dangerous criminal.”
  • In a discussion about scary moments, someone might share, “I had a harrowing experience during a severe thunderstorm.”

20. Panic-inducing

This term refers to something that causes intense panic or anxiety. It emphasizes the ability of the situation or object to induce fear or panic.

  • For example, “The roller coaster’s steep drops and sharp turns were panic-inducing.”
  • A person might describe a scary situation by saying, “Being trapped in an elevator can be panic-inducing.”
  • In a discussion about phobias, someone might say, “Spiders are panic-inducing for many people.”

21. Eerie

This word is used to describe something that is strange or unsettling in a way that creates a sense of discomfort or unease.

  • For example, “Walking through the abandoned house at night was an eerie experience.”
  • A person might say, “There was an eerie silence in the haunted forest.”
  • In a horror movie review, one might write, “The film had an eerie atmosphere that kept me on edge throughout.”

22. Disturbing

This term refers to something that causes feelings of unease, discomfort, or upset. It often implies that the subject matter is unsettling or offensive.

  • For instance, “The graphic images in the documentary were disturbing.”
  • A person might say, “The movie had a disturbing twist ending.”
  • In a discussion about a controversial book, one might comment, “The author explores some disturbing themes that make you question societal norms.”

23. Haunting

When something is described as haunting, it means it has a lingering or persistent effect that is difficult to forget or shake off. It often evokes a sense of unease or fear.

  • For example, “The haunting melody of the music sent shivers down my spine.”
  • A person might say, “The abandoned asylum has a haunting presence.”
  • In a ghost story, one might write, “The old house was said to be haunted by the haunting spirit of a former resident.”

24. Menacing

This term is used to describe something or someone that appears dangerous, threatening, or likely to cause harm. It implies a sense of fear or intimidation.

  • For instance, “The dark alley had a menacing atmosphere.”
  • A person might say, “The menacing figure stared at me with an intense gaze.”
  • In a crime novel, one might write, “The detective faced off against the menacing criminal in a high-stakes showdown.”

25. Crippling

When something is described as crippling, it means it has a severe or overwhelming impact that leaves a person feeling helpless or unable to function properly. It often refers to emotional or psychological effects.

  • For example, “The loss of a loved one can be crippling.”
  • A person might say, “The fear of failure was crippling and prevented me from taking risks.”
  • In a discussion about anxiety, one might comment, “The crippling anxiety made it difficult for me to leave the house.”

26. Fear-inducing

This term is used to describe something that is capable of instilling fear or anxiety in a person.

  • For example, “That horror movie was fear-inducing. I couldn’t sleep for days.”
  • A person might say, “The haunted house was filled with fear-inducing props and decorations.”
  • Another might describe a thrilling roller coaster as “a fear-inducing experience.”
See also  Top 32 Slang For Argue Over – Meaning & Usage

27. Spooked

When someone is spooked, they are feeling scared or startled by something unexpected or eerie.

  • For instance, “I saw a ghost in the mirror and it really spooked me.”
  • A person might say, “I was walking alone in the dark and a strange noise spooked me.”
  • Another might describe a creepy noise as “giving them the spooks.”

28. Creeped out

When someone is creeped out, they are feeling uneasy or uncomfortable due to something strange, eerie, or unsettling.

  • For example, “The abandoned house gave me the creeps. I felt so creeped out.”
  • A person might say, “That guy’s staring was really creepy. It made me feel creeped out.”
  • Another might describe a disturbing movie scene as “creeping them out.”

29. Terrified

Terrified is used to describe a state of extreme fear or dread, often in response to a frightening or threatening situation.

  • For instance, “I’m terrified of spiders. Just the sight of one makes me scream.”
  • A person might say, “I was terrified when I heard footsteps outside my window.”
  • Another might describe a horror movie as “terrifying” because it caused them to jump and scream.

30. Freaked out

When someone is freaked out, they are feeling extremely scared or panicked, often due to a sudden or unexpected event.

  • For example, “I saw a shadowy figure in my room and I freaked out.”
  • A person might say, “The loud thunderclap freaked me out and I jumped.”
  • Another might describe a close encounter with a wild animal as “freaking them out.”

31. Petrified

To be extremely frightened or scared, often to the point of being unable to move or speak. “Petrified” describes a state of intense fear or horror.

  • For example, “I was petrified when I saw a spider crawling on my arm.”
  • A person might say, “I was so petrified during the horror movie that I couldn’t sleep.”
  • Another might exclaim, “I’m petrified of heights, so I could never go skydiving!”

32. Shook

To be deeply disturbed or frightened by something. “Shook” is a slang term often used to describe a state of being scared or shocked.

  • For instance, “I was shook when I heard a loud noise in the middle of the night.”
  • A person might say, “The horror movie left me feeling really shook.”
  • Another might exclaim, “I’m still shook after witnessing that car accident!”

33. Goosebumps

The raised bumps on the skin caused by cold, fear, or excitement. “Goosebumps” is a term often used to describe the physical sensation of being scared or creeped out.

  • For example, “The ghost story gave me goosebumps.”
  • A person might say, “That horror movie gave me chills down my spine.”
  • Another might exclaim, “I get goosebumps every time I walk through a haunted house!”

34. Spine-tingling

To cause a feeling of fear or excitement that makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. “Spine-tingling” describes something that is intensely scary or thrilling.

  • For instance, “The suspense in the movie was spine-tingling.”
  • A person might say, “The haunted house had a spine-tingling atmosphere.”
  • Another might exclaim, “The roller coaster ride was so spine-tingling, I screamed the whole way!”

35. Scared stiff

To be so scared that one becomes unable to move or react. “Scared stiff” is a colloquial phrase used to describe extreme fear or terror.

  • For example, “I was scared stiff when I saw a snake in my backyard.”
  • A person might say, “The haunted house was so scary, it left me scared stiff.”
  • Another might exclaim, “I’m scared stiff of spiders, I can’t even look at them!”

36. Jumpy

This term refers to someone who is on edge or easily frightened. It can also describe something that causes a person to feel anxious or jumpy.

  • For example, “I’m feeling really jumpy after watching that horror movie.”
  • A person might say, “Don’t sneak up on me like that, you made me jumpy!”
  • Another might describe a haunted house as, “It’s so creepy, it makes you feel really jumpy.”

37. Nerve-wracking

This phrase describes something that is highly stressful or anxiety-inducing. It suggests that a situation is so intense that it feels like it is affecting one’s nerves.

  • For instance, “Waiting for the results of a medical test can be nerve-wracking.”
  • A person might say, “Giving a presentation in front of a large audience is always nerve-wracking.”
  • Another might describe a close call while driving as, “It was a nerve-wracking experience, I thought I was going to crash!”

38. Spine-chilling

This term describes something that is so scary or unsettling that it sends a shiver down one’s spine. It implies a deep sense of fear or unease.

  • For example, “The horror movie had some spine-chilling moments that made me jump.”
  • A person might say, “The haunted house was filled with spine-chilling screams and eerie sounds.”
  • Another might describe a ghost story as, “It was a spine-chilling tale that gave me goosebumps.”

39. Scare the living daylights out of

This phrase means to scare someone to such an extent that it feels like their very life force is being frightened out of them. It emphasizes the intensity of the fear or horror.

  • For instance, “The sudden loud noise scared the living daylights out of me.”
  • A person might say, “The horror movie I watched last night scared the living daylights out of me.”
  • Another might describe a prank that caused a friend to scream, “It was hilarious, I scared the living daylights out of him!”

40. Bone-chillingly

This term describes something that is so cold or terrifying that it reaches deep into one’s bones. It suggests a level of fear or coldness that is difficult to shake off.

  • For example, “The wind was bone-chillingly cold, I had to bundle up in layers.”
  • A person might say, “The haunted house was bone-chillingly scary, I couldn’t sleep for days.”
  • Another might describe a suspenseful thriller as, “The movie was bone-chillingly intense, it had me on the edge of my seat.”

41. Heart-pounding

This term is used to describe something that is so scary or thrilling that it makes your heart beat faster.

  • For example, “That roller coaster ride was heart-pounding!”
  • A person might say, “I watched a heart-pounding horror movie last night.”
  • Another might exclaim, “The suspense in that book was truly heart-pounding!”

42. Shiver-inducing

This phrase is used to describe something that is so scary or eerie that it gives you shivers or chills.

  • For instance, “The haunted house had a shiver-inducing atmosphere.”
  • A person might say, “That ghost story was so shiver-inducing, I couldn’t sleep.”
  • Another might comment, “The sound effects in the horror movie were shiver-inducing.”