ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sticker shock

idiom
Meaning

Disgust, shock, or fright upon learning the price of an item offered for sale.


Origin

first recorded 20th c.

Coined c. 1981, in reference to price stickers affixed to items for sale.

Examples
SIMPLE

I felt sticker shock when I saw the price of the coffee.

CONTEXTUAL

Many shoppers experienced sticker shock when they saw how much the new electronics cost this year.

COMPLEX

Upon reviewing the architect's final estimate for the home renovation, the couple suffered from severe sticker shock and immediately requested a more modest proposal.

Anchors to
Related idioms1entry
  1. 01

    shock to the system

    something that has a sudden and usually unpleasant effect on someone.

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