gobsmacked

American  

[gob-smakt] / ˈgɒbˌsmækt /

adjective

Chiefly British Slang.

1. utterly astounded; astonished.

   I was truly gobsmacked by their decision.

---

gobsmacked British  

/ ˈɡɒbˌsmækt /

adjective

1. slang astounded; astonished

---

Usage

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.

Other Word Forms

• gobsmacking adjective

Etymology

Origin of gobsmacked

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

Explanation

To be gobsmacked is to be very surprised or astonished. You'd probably be gobsmacked if an alien spaceship landed in your front yard. Imagine how stunned you'd be if you were abruptly smacked in the mouth for no reason: This is where the word gobsmacked originated, from the Irish gob, or "mouth," and smack, or "hit." When you're gobsmacked, you're utterly shocked, overwhelmed, or taken aback. "When my dog was elected mayor of our town, we were all gobsmacked."

Example Sentences

I’m completely gobsmacked by this situation, as I truly believed he was doing fine.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 21, 2026

Pinchas “Pini” Dunner was gobsmacked by what he saw on television.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 9, 2025

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 • Oct. 8, 2025

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

From BBC • Aug. 7, 2025

I could unna-stand why Sylvanus was so gobsmacked by the girl, she was sort of pretty.

From "The Journey of Little Charlie" by Christopher Paul Curtis