gobsmacked

[ gob-smakt ]

/ ˈgɒbˌsmækt /

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adjective Chiefly British Slang.

utterly astounded; astonished:I was truly gobsmacked by their decision.

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“Was” is used for the indicative past tense of “to be,” and “were” is only used for the subjunctive past tense.

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Origin of gobsmacked

First recorded in 1955–60; gob³ + smack² + -ed²

OTHER WORDS FROM gobsmacked

gob·smack·ing, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

Example sentences from the Web for gobsmacked

The name change, it said, smacked of “anachronistic imperialist ambitions.”
The Pope and the Queen to Square up Over Falklands|Tom Kington|April 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Just days later, Paul was smacked by his first national scandal.
Rand Paul’s Audacity of Nope: Suing Obama Over Domestic Surveillance|Sam Youngman|January 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
So she got smacked and got a big bruise that she was very proud of.
‘Catching Fire’: How Jennifer Lawrence Learned to Shoot a Bow and Arrow|Kevin Fallon|November 26, 2013|DAILY BEAST
“After Gob, I felt like there were a lot of jobs that I took where people wanted me to emulate or copy that performance,” he says.
Will Arnett on ‘The Millers,’ ‘Arrested Development,’ and More|Jason Lynch|October 2, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Earlier this month, the politician-turned-pundit smacked Jeb Bush for ostensibly dissing the fertility of white women.
Palin Takes On ‘Amnesty Bill,’ Rallies Her Mama Grizzlies|Michelle Cottle|June 25, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Mr. Bumble tasted the medicine with a doubtful look; smacked his lips, took another taste, and put the cup down empty.
Oliver Twist, Vol. II (of 3)|Charles Dickens
George turned from it in disgust; the wild chief grinned superior and ate it himself, and smacked his lips with infinite gusto.
It Is Never Too Late to Mend|Charles Reade
"I'm goin' to be smacked," she announced with grave conviction.
The Highgrader|William MacLeod Raine
I smacked my lips audibly as I gasped for breath after emptying the tumbler, and my sable friend smiled with satisfaction.
A Middy of the King|Harry Collingwood
Sandy smacked his lips, as if the thought had brought up pleasant memories.
The Knight Of Gwynne, Vol. II (of II)|Charles James Lever

British Dictionary definitions for gobsmacked

gobsmacked

/ (ˈɡɒbˌsmækt) /

adjective

British slang astounded; astonished

Word Origin for gobsmacked

C20: from gob ³ + smack ²

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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gobsmacked

adjective Chiefly British Slang.

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QUIZ YOURSELF ON "WAS" VS. "WERE"!

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Origin of gobsmacked

OTHER WORDS FROM gobsmacked

Example sentences from the Web for gobsmacked

British Dictionary definitions for gobsmacked

adjective

Word Origin for gobsmacked