Flabbergasted

(Adjective) | Pronunciation: /ˈflæb.ər.ɡɑː.stɪd/

Definition & Meaning

The word “flabbergasted” describes a state of extreme shock or surprise, often leaving someone speechless.

• As an adjective – Feeling completely astonished, amazed, or unable to react due to unexpected news or events.

💡 Did You Know? “Flabbergasted” is often used in casual conversation to express being utterly shocked in an exaggerated or humorous way!

Word Origin & History

• Etymology: The exact origin is uncertain, but the word is believed to have emerged in the 18th century as British slang.
• Historical Usage: First recorded in the late 1700s, “flabbergasted” likely combines “flabber” (possibly meaning “flabby” or “floppy”) and “aghast” (meaning shocked).
• Cultural Influence: The word is widely used in literature, movies, and everyday speech to describe overwhelming surprise.

📖 Example: In mystery novels, detectives are often flabbergasted when they uncover shocking truths.

Synonyms & Antonyms

🔹 Synonyms (words with similar meanings)

• Astonished
• Stunned
• Shocked
• Dumbfounded

🔻 Antonyms (opposite meanings)

• Unfazed
• Unmoved
• Calm
• Unimpressed

💡 Word Tip: If “shocked” sounds too ordinary, use “flabbergasted” to add more intensity and emotion!

Example Sentences

✅ She was flabbergasted when she won the lottery.
✅ “I’m absolutely flabbergasted by this news!” he exclaimed.
✅ He stood there, flabbergasted, unable to say a word.
✅ The audience was flabbergasted by the magician’s trick.
✅ She felt flabbergasted when her long-lost friend appeared at her doorstep.
✅ “I’m flabbergasted that you remembered my birthday!” she said joyfully.
✅ His parents were flabbergasted when he announced his sudden engagement.
✅ The team was flabbergasted by their unexpected victory.
✅ “I was completely flabbergasted when I saw the final bill!” he admitted.

Related Words & Phrases

These words are commonly associated with “flabbergasted”:

• Amazed
• Bewildered
• Speechless
• Overwhelmed
• Thunderstruck
• Taken aback
• Staggered
• Dazed

Example: The phrase “left flabbergasted” is often used when someone is too surprised to react.

Usage Trends & Popularity

🧐 Trending Now: The word flabbergasted is often used in reaction videos on social media.
📢 Discuss: Have you ever been so flabbergasted that you couldn’t speak? Share your story!

Fun Activities & Challenges

🔠 Word Puzzle: Unscramble this word → G B A A R F L E D S G T A

🧠 Quick Quiz:
💭 Which of these is a synonym for “flabbergasted”?
A) Unimpressed
B) Stunned ✅
C) Bored

✍ Word Story Challenge: Write a funny scenario where a character feels flabbergasted!

User Contributions & Comments

💬 Share Your Thoughts: What’s the most flabbergasting moment you’ve experienced?
📢 Join the discussion below!

Advanced Learning & Fun Facts

Idioms & Phrases

• “Blown away” – Means completely amazed or surprised.
• “Left in shock” – Describes being stunned by unexpected events.

Psychological Perspective

Being flabbergasted triggers a mix of emotions, including excitement, confusion, and disbelief, often leading to a physical reaction like widening the eyes or gasping.

Famous Quotes

“The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it.”
— J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan (A quote that often leaves readers flabbergasted!)

💡 Did You Know? The word flabbergasted is often used in comedic settings to exaggerate someone’s reaction!