Spooktacular (spook + spectacular)

“Spooktacular” (spook + spectacular) is a word that’s popular at Halloween time. The first citation of the word is from “A Hallowe’en Party” by Laura Smith, published in the Christian Observer on October 27, 1897:
 
“Off came the black cover, disclosing a white one underneath, and the table was lighted with banquet lamps, and vases of chrysanthemums ornamented the places lately occupied by the ‘spooktacular’ objects.”
 
The “pooktacular” term began to be used frequently in the 1940s. “In-a-word description of Bela Lugosi: Spook-tacular” was published in the “Jimmie Fidler in Hollywood” syndicated newspaper column in September 1943. In june 1945, entertainment columnist Walter Winchell called actor Jack Oakie‘s performance in the new movie That’s the Spirit “spooktacular”—a word the movie used in advertisements.
 
 
27 October 1897, Christian Observer (Louisville, KY), “A Hallowe’en Party” by Laura Smith, pg. 17, col. 2:
Off came the black cover, disclosing a white one underneath, and the table was lighted with banquet lamps, and vases of chrysanthemums ornamented the places lately occupied by the “spooktacular” objects.
 
8 October 1933, Charlotte (NC) Observer, “Anne Campbell Winner In Nameless Cartoon Contest,” pg. 3, col. 1:
“A spook-tacular defense.” Mrs. E. E. Anderspn, Lumberton, N. C.
 
7 September 1943, State-Times (Baton Rouge, LA), “Jimmie Fidler in Hollywood,” pg. 12, col. 2:
In-a-word description of Bela Lugosi: Spook-tacular.
 
1 February 1944, Columbus (OH) Enquirer, “Jimmie Fidler in Hollywood,” pg. 6, col. 7:
Pic of an uneventful week: Universal’s “Phantom Lady” (Ella Raines-Francot-Tone). A spook-tacular success.
 
1 June 1945, Augusta (GA) Chronicle, Walter Winchell column, pg. 6, col. 4:
The Big Time: The Oakie-dokie performance by Jack in the flicker, “That’s the Spirit.” He brings back the ghost of vaudeville. A spooktacular performance.
 
1 June 1945, New York (NY) Herald Tribune, pg. 13, col. 4 ad:
IT’S “SPOOKTACULAR!”
says WALTER WINCHELL
(Advertisement for the movie That’s the Spirit with Jack Oakie.—ed.)
 
OCLC WorldCat record
Spike Jones in hi fi : A spooktacular in screaming sound.
Author: Spike Jones; Carl Brandt
Publisher: [Burbank Calif.] : Warner Bros., [1959]
Edition/Format:   Music LP : English
Database: WorldCat
 
OCLC WorldCat record
Dracula, Frankenstein et Cie. : I only have eyes for you ; Poisen to poisen ; This is your death ; Teenage brain surgeon ; My heart sings ; Everything happens to me ; Monster movie ball ; Two heads are better than one ; Tammy ; My old flame ; Spooktacular finale
Author: Spike Jones
Publisher: [S.l.] : Warner Bros., [ca. 1965]
Series: Mode series
Edition/Format:   Music LP
Database: WorldCat
 
OCLC WorldCat record
The Spooktacular joke book
Author: Theodore Freek; David Farris
Publisher: Hippo, 1987.
Edition/Format:   Print book : Humor, satire, etc. : Juvenile audience : English
 
Urban Dictionary
Spooktacular
A very impressive
A Spooktacular Halloween
A Spooktacular display of carved Jack-o-lantern
#impressive #prominent #outstanding #salient #striking
by Abdi Mahad November 04, 2012
 
(Trademark)
Word Mark HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR
Goods and Services IC 041. US 107. G & S: entertainment services in the nature of special events at an amusement park. FIRST USE: 19931029. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19931029
Mark Drawing Code (1) TYPED DRAWING
Serial Number 74453704
Filing Date October 29, 1993
Current Basis 1A
Original Filing Basis 1A
Published for Opposition June 21, 1994
Registration Number 1853881
Registration Date September 13, 1994
Owner (REGISTRANT) Sea World, Inc. CORPORATION DELAWARE One Busch Place St. Louis MISSOURI 63118
(LAST LISTED OWNER) SEA WORLD LLC LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY DELAWARE 9205 South Park Center Loop Suite 400 Orlando FLORIDA 32819
Assignment Recorded ASSIGNMENT RECORDED
Attorney of Record Ester Martín Maillaro
Disclaimer NO CLAIM IS MADE TO THE EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO USE “HALLOWEEN” APART FROM THE MARK AS SHOWN
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Affidavit Text SECT 15. SECT 8 (6-YR). SECTION 8(10-YR) 20140204.
Renewal 2ND RENEWAL 20140204
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