pearl-clutching
noun- & adjective phrase

- outrage or dramatic protest, especially from a woman, caused by something the person perceives as vulgar, in bad taste, or morally wrong but that does not elicit a similarly strong reaction from most other people.

Dictionary dot com

- to behave as if you are very shocked, especially when you show more shock than you really feel in order to show that you think something is morally bad

Cambridge Dictionary

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Researching today’s word, I was delighted to recall the number of marvelous synonyms that English offers for “shocked surprise” - a seemingly common emotion in the Anglosphere. Enjoy:

- (upon) my word!
- (well) I’ll be damned!
- bless my soul!
- blimey!
- by Jove!
- clutch your pearls!
- cor blimey! (cockney)
- crikey!
- cripes!
- crumbs!
- deuce!
- do I have news!
- golly!
- Gordon Bennett!
- gosh!
- gracious gum!
- hallelujah!
- heaven (above)!
- hell’s bells
- I ask you!
- I declare!
- I’ll be a monkey’s uncle!
- I’ll be blowed! buggered! jiggered!
- just imagine!
- it’s a wonder!
- jeepers!
- jeez!
- lo lo and behold!
- no kidding!
- no shit!
- no way!
- it’s none other than... (name)!
- of all people/things/places!
- OMG people!
- shock, horror!
- shut the front door!
- speak/talk of the devil!
- stone the crows! i
- strangely enough!
- strewth! (Australian)
- surprise, surprise!
- this/that takes the biscuit/cake!
- this/that beats everything!
- this/that’s a new one on me!
- the next thing I knew!
- wait for it!
- well, I never!
- who would have thought it?
- wonders never cease!
- words fail me!
- ye gods!
- you could have knocked me over with a feather!
- you don’t say!

A shout-out to Bettina in London for suggesting the wonderful pearl-clutch.

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