Gobsmacked is a British slang term that means being completely shocked, astonished, or speechless due to surprise. It describes a reaction so strong that it metaphorically feels like being hit in the mouth (or “gob,” a British slang word for mouth), leaving you unable to speak.
How Is It Used?
The word is informal and typically used to emphasize how stunned or amazed someone feels. It’s more expressive than simply saying “surprised” and often implies a sudden, overwhelming reaction.
Examples of “Gobsmacked” in a Sentence
- “I was gobsmacked when I saw how much the house was worth.”
- “He stood there gobsmacked, unable to believe what he’d just heard.”
- “She was gobsmacked by the unexpected award announcement.”
What’s the Origin?
The term comes from British English, particularly from Scottish and Northern dialects. “Gob” means mouth, and “smacked” means hit—so gobsmacked literally means “hit in the mouth,” suggesting a shock that leaves one dumbfounded. It became popular in the mid-20th century and is still commonly used in the UK today.
How Does It Compare to Other Words?
- Flabbergasted – very similar in meaning, often interchangeable
- Stunned – less vivid, more commonly used in American English
- Speechless – focuses on the inability to talk, not necessarily from shock
- Astonished – more neutral and can refer to positive or negative surprise
When Should You Use It?
Use gobsmacked in casual or expressive conversation when you want to strongly emphasize how shocked or amazed you were. It’s especially effective in storytelling or describing emotional reactions.
Final Thought
To be gobsmacked is to be caught completely off guard in a way that stops you in your tracks. Whether it’s unexpected good news, a dramatic twist, or a jaw-dropping moment, the word adds color and emphasis to the experience of being genuinely stunned.
