Flabbergasted: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'flabbergasted' first appeared in print in 1772 and is thought to be a playful combination of several words.
• It probably comes from a mix of 'flabber', meaning to shock, and 'gasted', an old term for being astounded.
• The unusual sound of the word reflects the strong surprise it conveys, making it both fun and expressive.

Pop Culture

• It has been used in various films and shows, adding humor or emphasis to moments of astonishment.
• 'Flabbergasted' appeared in the popular animated series 'The Simpsons', highlighting its place in modern language.
• Musicians sometimes use the word in lyrics to capture moments of unexpected feelings and reactions.

Psychology

• Surprising events can trigger a 'fight or flight' response in our brains, making us feel flabbergasted.
• Studies show that experiencing surprise can actually enhance memory retention, making people likely to remember surprising facts better.
• The emotion of surprise can help foster social bonding as people share their astonishment in a group.

Literature

• Authors often use expressions of astonishment, like 'flabbergasted', to develop character reactions and advance plots.
• In children's literature, this word can describe a character’s reaction to magic or unexpected events, drawing in young readers.
• Famous writers, including Mark Twain, have utilized the word to evoke humor and emphasize characters' exaggerated responses to situations.

Language Use

• 'Flabbergasted' is often used informally in conversation, making it more relatable compared to more formal synonyms like 'astonished'.
• The playful nature of the word makes it popular in both spoken and written language, allowing for expressive storytelling.
• It's commonly used in exaggerated contexts to underline a maximum level of surprise, promoting a vivid image in communication.

This word's position of #30,664 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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• 30661 unmentioned
• 30662 unasked
• 30663 confetti
• 30664 flabbergasted
• 30665 recliner
• 30666 yesteryear
• 30667 antichrist
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