shock value

noun

: usefulness to surprise and usually upset people

He uses offensive language for (its) shock value.

Examples of shock value in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Profanity also grabs attention since the shock value of an F-bomb can lead to more media coverage and clips circulating on social media. — Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

And, in fact, for all of the shock value in his writing and swipes at the food establishment, Bourdain became extraordinarily generous and even sweet as his fame grew, quick to heap praise, especially for writers and chefs on the rise. — Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026

But these scenes are filmed with such playfulness that the shock value is completely dissipated. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 31 July 2026

Despite its shock value, the move does not come as a surprise. — Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Rhymes for shock value

• eigenvalue
• undervalue