london.localmean.com/gobsmacked
gobsmacked
GOB-smakt · /ˈɡɒb.smækt/
Local meaning
So surprised or astonished that it is difficult to speak.
Someone who is “gobsmacked” is extremely surprised, often by unexpected news, a price, a result, or a dramatic event. The image combines the informal British word “gob” for mouth with the idea of being struck speechless. It can describe delighted amazement, shock, or disbelief depending on context.
Examples in context
- I was gobsmacked when they announced the winner.
- We were absolutely gobsmacked by the final bill.
- She looked gobsmacked when everyone shouted surprise.
How it is used
It is stronger and more vivid than simply “surprised”. Adverbs such as “absolutely” and “completely” commonly intensify it.
Astonished, delighted, shocked, or disbelieving.
News, prices, performances, results, surprises, and storytelling.
Informal and conversational British English.
Because it is vivid and informal, it may not suit neutral professional reporting.
Spelling and scope
Widely recognised informal British English heard across London and the UK; not uniquely London.
Common search forms stay discoverable without claiming that every London community uses one spelling.
Common patterns
- absolutely gobsmacked
- completely gobsmacked
- gobsmacked by
- gobsmacked when
Read next
All words →Evidence and further reading
Sources support the definition, history, or usage layer. Local review remains welcome.
- gobsmacked — English meaningCambridge Dictionary
Documents the informal adjective for being so surprised that speech is difficult.