shocking intens OED ~ ppl a 4 b (1831-); EDD 2. Very; extremely.
1850 [FEILD] 47 [The wolves] are shocking fierce and dangerous entirely. 1863 MORETON 33 ~ used as [superlative], as 'a shocking fine day.' 1920 GRENFELL & SPALDING 62 They do be shockin' hard on us poor sailors. 1924 ENGLAND 225 Again it would be 'man-murderin' wid starm,' and 'freezin' gert guns, shockin' cold, b'y.' 1938 ENGLISH 118 The women of the house were somewhat surprised at seeing Mr Thorne around at such an early hour, and thought he must be 'Shocking fond of salmon and trout.' C 75-134 Shockin' dear: very expensive.
