Gobsmacked
/ˈɡɒb.smækt/noun
Extremely shocked, astonished, or speechless.
Did you know?The first element, gob, is old British slang for the mouth, while smacked gives the image of being struck so hard you’re left speechless—no magic required, just brutal street imagery.
Etymological Timeline
Late 19th Century
English
gob
“Slang for the mouth or face, especially in British usage.”
Late 19th Century
English
smack
“To strike sharply; also to make a sharp, sudden impact.”
Early 20th Century
English
gobsmacked
“Originally British slang for stunned or speechless, as if hit in the mouth.”
Modern English
English
gobsmacked
“Completely astonished or flabbergasted.”