gobsmacked
English
Etymology
As if smacked (“hit”) in the gob (“mouth (Irish / Scottish gaelic)”).
Attested since 1959, from Northern English dialect, particularly Liverpool, popularized via television.[1]
Pronunciation
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Audio (AU): (file)
Adjective
gobsmacked (comparative more gobsmacked, superlative most gobsmacked)
- (chiefly British, Australia, slang) Flabbergasted, astounded, speechless, overawed.
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- 1989 Aug. 7, Glenn Frankel, "Salman Rushdie's Life on the Run," Los Angeles Times:
- We were as appalled and stunned and confused and gobsmacked (punched on the mouth) as anyone else.
- 2008 June 16, Caroline Mallan, "Linwood Barclay novel wins a plug on key UK book list," Toronto Star (Canada), p. A2:
- "I guess the word would be gobsmacked," Barclay said, of his reaction. "I am stunned."
Related terms
- gobsmacking
- gobstruck (much less common)
Translations
Flabbergasted, astounded, speechless, overawed
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