different between gobstruck vs gobsmacked

English

Etymology

gob +? struck

Pronunciation

Adjective

gobstruck (comparative more gobstruck, superlative most gobstruck)

1. (slang, chiefly Britain) gobsmacked; astonished; astounded

English

Etymology

As if smacked (“hit”) in the gob (“mouth (Irish / Scottish gaelic)”).

Attested since 1959, from Northern English dialect, particularly Liverpool, popularized via television.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /???b.smækt/

Adjective

gobsmacked (comparative more gobsmacked, superlative most gobsmacked)

1. (chiefly Britain, Australia, slang) Flabbergasted, astounded, speechless, overawed.
   • 1989 Aug. 7, Glenn Frankel, "Salman Rushdie's Life on the Run," Los Angeles Times:

     We were as appalled and stunned and confused and gobsmacked (punched on the mouth) as anyone else.

   • 2008 June 16, Caroline Mallan, "Linwood Barclay novel wins a plug on key UK book list," Toronto Star (Canada), p. A2:

     "I guess the word would be gobsmacked," Barclay said, of his reaction. "I am stunned."

Related terms

• gobsmacking
• gobstruck (much less common)

Translations

References