Question: **I'm seeking contextually-appropriate expressions for shocked surprise, even better would be seriously shocked/scared surprise. Vulgar is fine,** 

For context, this query is for dialog for a character in a novel.) A literal translation of, "Oh, shit!" is doable, but I doubt that colloquial or simply not what an Italian speaker would say.

I'm looking to express *serious* surprise. Not simply the, "You're being audited by the tax authorities" level of badness. **Instead, I'm seeking something to express the "doctors say it's cancerous, but aren't sure if it's operable" level of bad, bad news received.** An old-school expression would be especially good. (The character learned the language in southern Italy circa WWII; now speaks English -- except when *badly* rattled.) Any suggestions for phrases to use + in-context translation would be greatly appreciated. Any online resources (for swear words, curses, vulgar phrases) similarly appreciated.

Answer: 
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> **[Merda!](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/merda#Italian)**
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is the translation of "*Shit!*", and is fine.

If you want something stronger, you can insult something. For example:

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> **[Porca troia!](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/porca_troia)**
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is insulting a (nonexisting) whore.

Italians also swear at God and call him names when something really bad happens, but I'm not teaching you that since it's considered very offensive, is a big sin for the majority religion and [it is illegal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blasphemy_law#Italy) (yes, we are allowed to offend sex workers but not some imaginary entity)
You can use "oh mio dio, non è possibile" as a shock expression, which means "oh my God, it can't be possible"