British English Slang – Gobsmacked.
Totally shocked or astonished. So surprised that you can’t speak. You might be gobsmacked if you unexpectedly won the lottery, or heard some truly unbelievable news.
Gob is British slang for mouth. The word probably comes from clapping a hand over your mouth when something shocking happens – the hand smacks the gob.
Gobsmacked is informal but not rude, and you’ll hear it everywhere in the UK – even on the news.
Similar Expressions:
- Speechless – so surprised you can’t say anything.
- Flabbergasted – another informal British favourite for “astonished”.
- Blown away – very impressed or surprised.
Example:
- “My brother was gobsmacked when his husband bought him a brand new car!”
In the News
Spotted in the news‘Gobsmacked’: What stunned new arrival as West Ham and Brighton-linked talent opted for Portsmouth moveportsmouth.co.ukWhat is slang?
Slang is very informal language. It’s usually spoken rather than written, and is often used by a particular group of people or in a particular place. Slang changes over time, and using it well is a great way to sound more natural when speaking English.
Frequently Asked Questions
Extremely surprised or shocked – so surprised that you cannot speak.
Your mouth. “Gobsmacked” suggests putting your hand over your mouth in shock.
No. “Gobsmacked” is informal British slang, but it isn’t rude or offensive. You’ll hear it on TV and radio and read it in newspapers. Just avoid it in very formal writing, where “astonished” or “amazed” is better.
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