How to pronounce gobsmacked
Say it like GOB-smakt. Gobsmacked has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GOB).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce gobsmacked. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- GOB
- smakt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Gobsmacked pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- GOBSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- smaktKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of gobsmacked
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: GOB-smakt.
What does gobsmacked mean?
- Flabbergasted, astounded, speechless, overawed.
Where does gobsmacked come from?
Attested since 1959, from Northern English dialect, particularly Liverpool, popularized via television.
Questions about saying gobsmacked
How do you pronounce gobsmacked?
Say GOB-smakt. The American pronunciation is /ˈɡɑbsmækt/. In British English it is /ˈɡɒbˌsmækt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in gobsmacked?
Gobsmacked has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GOB). Broken into parts: GOB · smakt.
Is gobsmacked pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈɡɒbˌsmækt/ (GOB-smakt).