gobsmacked

[gob-smakt]

adjective

Chiefly British Slang.

1. utterly astounded; astonished.

   I was truly gobsmacked by their decision.

gobsmacked

/ ˈɡɒbˌsmækt /

adjective

1. slang,  astounded; astonished

Other Word Forms

• gobsmacking adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gobsmacked¹

First recorded in 1955–60; gob ³ + smack ² + -ed ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of gobsmacked¹

C20: from _gob ³ + _smack ²

Example Sentences

Within two days, 40-plus miles and some 5,000 feet of elevation, I was gobsmacked by the vistas, the morning light on the canyons and the solitude on the campground — aside from the abundant wildlife.

From Los Angeles Times

“I was literally gobsmacked,” Evans tells The Times.

From Los Angeles Times

Democrats have been gobsmacked by this massive outpouring of anger that shows no signs of quieting.

From Salon

"I was gobsmacked really because I didn't think there was anything wrong with me," he says.

From BBC

Two women were left "gobsmacked" after an Airbnb host rejected a request from them because they are from Wales.

From BBC

When To Use

What does gobsmacked mean?

Gobsmacked is an adjective that means completely shocked.The word gobsmacked comes from England and Scotland, where it is used as slang to express extreme shock. Gobsmacked is often used by people from these areas.Example: She was absolutely gobsmacked when she discovered a large pile of money under the floorboards.