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Definition of gobsmacking

gobsmacking

/ˈɡɒbˌsmæk.ɪŋ/
gob · smack · ing
Adverb:gobsmackingly
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gobsmacking Lexical Profile

gobsmacking Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

British Utterly astonishing, astounding, or flabbergasting; so surprising as to leave one speechless.

Example

"The documentary revealed a gobsmacking level of financial mismanagement within the company."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for gobsmacking
Antonyms
View all antonyms for gobsmacking

• Nearby Words

gobs
gobshite
gobsmacked
gobsmacking
gobstopper
goby
gochujang

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in late 20th-century British slang from 'gob' (an informal word for the mouth, likely of Celtic origin) and 'smacking', evoking the image of slapping one's own mouth in sheer astonishment.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Gobsmacking. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/gobsmacking
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