Definitions by OctoChili

tonal whiplash

When a room or situation drastically changes in mood in a short amount of time.

We were having a great party until Jesse pulled out a gun, it was a total tonal whiplash.

When the mood of a room or situation is drastically changed in a short amount of time.

We were having a great party until Jesse pulled out a gun, it was a total tonal whiplash