horror show

1. Literally, a (potentially frightening) film or television show with supernatural or macabre elements. I can't watch these horror shows before bed, they give me nightmares. Come on, Halloween is right around the corner—we have to watch at least one horror show! Wait, is Maddy seriously sleeping with Mom and Dad after watching that horror show?

2. Something disastrous, disorganized, or otherwise unpleasant, often said with a note of dismay or disdain. Oh boy, that performance was a real horror show. How many people were actually singing the same thing at the same time? I can't have anyone come over right now—I just got back from a business trip, and my house is a horror show! A: "If it's any consolation, the play was a horror show well before the curtain fell down." B: "Gee, thanks."