British English
Gobsmacked
Used when reacting to unexpected news or shocking events.
Literal Meaning
Compound of 'gob' (mouth) + 'smacked'
Actual Meaning
Extremely surprised, astonished
Examples in Context

'I was absolutely gobsmacked by the news!'

Helpful Tips
  • 1Strong surprise
  • 2Visual idiom
  • 3British expression
Phrase Thesaurus
Similar words and synonyms for this phrase
astonished
astounded
flabbergasted
shocked
stunned
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