Here at HGP we've seen an uptick in the use of the phrase "shocking," as in, "It's shocking how many people are using the phrase 'shocking.'"  I suppose that's to be expected.  When people hear a catchy word or phrase, especially when it's used by the media, they tend to repeat it.  And repeat it.  And repeat it.  Here's the thing:  When words are overused, they come to mean nothing.  For instance, if we use "shocking" for things that truly are not shocking, such as an increase in the cost of lettuce or getting a bad grade on an exam or the overuse of a phrase, then when we use it on something that truly is shocking, like a nun going on a killing spree or child pornography... it doesn't really seem that bad.  So once again, here at the Incomplete Guide, we offer the following synonyms for "shocking."  Mix them up.  Or, better, use only one for everything, and see if you can start a national craze, too!

appalling, scandalous, outrageous, awful, dreadful, horrendous, inexcusable, shameful, disgraceful, immoral, offensive, contemptable, terrible, unpleasant, horrible, alarming, frightful, atrocious, unbearable, reprehensible, intolerable, despicable, and disreputable.