Is ‘goose bumps’ an informal phrase? Does anyone know the synonym for ‘goose bumps’?
Yes, it is. Synonyms include fear, the creeps, the jitters and the heebie-jeebies. The last three are all informal, just like “goose bumps.”
“Goose bumps” can also mean something thrilled you, in which case synonyms would include “gave me chills” and “thrilled me.”
Of course, “goose bumps” also refers to the bumps we get as we experience cold.
Can we use something like electric shock?
I would not use that. You run the risk of misinterpretation and utter confusion.
oh…thank you very much…you really cleared my doubt!!
These are not really synonyms of “goose bumps”, because, as Mordant says, goose bumps are actual bumps that appear on the skin when some is scared, thrilled or cold. Many people refer to goose bumps as “goose pimples”. They are a physical reaction of the skin, not an emotion. They result from an emotion, but they are not an emotion.
Figuratively, “goose bumps” is extremely common as a use for all the words I mentioned. If you say something “gave you goosebumps,” you can mean any of those. I would say it is probably used figuratively more than literally.