GOBSMACKED Meaning and
Definition
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Gobsmacked is an adjective that originated in British English and is primarily used in informal contexts. It refers to a state of extreme surprise, astonishment, or disbelief, often leaving a person speechless or dumbfounded.
The term is believed to have evolved from the combination of two colloquial words: "gob," British slang for mouth, and "smacked," which means to strike or hit forcefully. When someone is gobsmacked, it implies that they have been figuratively struck or hit on their mouth, resulting in their speechlessness.
Describing a person as gobsmacked conveys the idea that they are so shocked or amazed by something that it leaves them momentarily unable to speak or react. It denotes astonishment that goes beyond mere surprise, implying that the person is completely taken aback or caught off guard. It can be a reaction to unexpected news, a shocking revelation, an incredible achievement, or something outright unbelievable.
Gobsmacked is often used to communicate the intensity of one's feelings of surprise or astonishment. It carries a certain degree of emphasis, highlighting the extraordinary nature of the event or circumstance that caused this reaction. The term is typically employed in informal conversations and is more commonly used in British English compared to other variations of the language.
Common Misspellings for GOBSMACKED
- fobsmacked
- vobsmacked
- bobsmacked
- hobsmacked
- yobsmacked
- tobsmacked
- gibsmacked
- gkbsmacked
- glbsmacked
- gpbsmacked
- g0bsmacked
- g9bsmacked
- govsmacked
- gonsmacked
- gohsmacked
- gogsmacked
- gobamacked
- gobzmacked
- gobxmacked
Etymology of GOBSMACKED
The word "gobsmacked" is a colloquial term that originated in Britain. Its etymology can be traced back to the combination of two words: "gob" and "smacked".
1. Gob: In British English, "gob" is a slang term for mouth or throat. It has its roots in Irish and Scottish Gaelic, where "gob" means mouth or beak. Over time, "gob" gained usage as a colloquial term in parts of Britain to refer to the mouth or the act of talking.
2. Smacked: The term "smacked" is a past participle of the verb "smack", which means to strike forcefully or sharply. The word likely evolved from the Middle Dutch word "smakken", meaning to make a sharp noise or smack.
Similar spelling word for GOBSMACKED
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