What does gobsmacked mean?
Gobsmacked means extremely astonished, amazed, or dumbfounded, usually because something unexpected has happened. The word is informal and expressive, giving a stronger reaction than words such as surprised or astonished. It is often used with intensifiers such as absolutely, totally, and completely, as in “They were absolutely gobsmacked by the news.” Although especially associated with British English, it is also understood and used in American English. Gobsmacked works well in conversation, informal writing, and descriptions of surprising discoveries, dramatic events, or unexpected personal encounters. Its playful sound makes it especially suitable for expressing amazement vividly, while its meaning remains focused on being overwhelmed by surprise rather than merely finding something interesting or unusual.
adjectiveExtremely astonished, amazed, or dumbfounded, especially as a result of an unexpected event.
- Extremely astonished or amazed, especially as a result of something unexpected.
"She was absolutely gobsmacked when she learned that the quiet stranger was the winner of the lottery."
"The crowd was gobsmacked when the underdog suddenly took the lead."
"He was completely gobsmacked by the scale of the surprise party arranged for him."
When a plot twist leaves you speechless, “gobsmacked” is the all-in-one reaction.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does gobsmacked come from?
The word is a humorous compound of gob, an informal word for the mouth, and smacked, which conveys being struck or silenced. The compound emerged in late nineteenth-century British English and became especially associated with a state of astonishment or amazement. Its construction reflects the comic idea of being left speechless or stunned by surprise.
Related word forms
How gobsmacked is actually used
Informal and strongly expressive; it is especially common in British English but is also used in American English. It conveys surprise or amazement more vividly than a neutral description.