spooktacular

English

Pronunciation

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Etymology 1

From spook +‎ -tacular.

Adjective

spooktacular (comparative more spooktacular, superlative most spooktacular)

1. (slang) Spooky and spectacular; wonderfully frightening.

   Synonym: creeptacular

   • 2012 April 29, Nathan Rabin, “TV: Review: THE SIMPSONS (CLASSIC): “Treehouse of Horror III” (season 4, episode 5; originally aired 10/29/1992)”, in (Please provide the book title or journal name)‎^[1]:

     In time The Simpsons would, indeed, resort to spoofing such decidedly non-spooktacular fare like E.T and Mr. And Mrs. Smith (both in “Treehouse Of Horror XVIII”) but in 1992 the field was wide-open and the show could cherry-pick the most iconic and beloved fright fare of all time.

Derived terms

• spooktacularly

Translations

wonderfully frightening

• French: spectraculaire

Etymology 2

Blend of spook +‎ spectacular.

Noun

spooktacular (plural spooktaculars)

1. (entertainment, informal) A Halloween-themed event or episode.
   • 1990 June 29, “New Universal Studios Is Getting Its Act Together”, in Orlando Sentinel‎^[2], archived from the original on 3 October 2012:

     Ghostbusters: A Live Action Spooktacular features a breathtaking set as well as impressive stunt work and laser and ghost effects, but the show has yet to be fine-tuned.

   • 2010, Plainville, Massachusetts annual reports, page 110:

     The annual Halloween Spooktacular was held for the Tri-town community where over 300 young children come to the high school to enjoy a fun-filled evening that is presented by a large variety of King Philip clubs and organizations.

   • 2007, Dig, page 6:

     At the end of each October, Cal State Long Beach hosts its annual Spooktacular where people from every field and department dress to the nines with fake blood and every gory fake body part imaginable.