Gobmouthed

/ˈɡɒbmaʊðd/ adjective

Definition

Having a large mouth; open-mouthed or slack-jawed, often from surprise or shock.

Etymology

Formed from 'gob' (British slang for mouth) plus 'mouthed' (having a mouth). 'Gob' comes from Irish/Scottish Gaelic 'gob' meaning mouth, and entered British English in the 19th century.

Kelly Says

In British English, 'gob' is casual slang for mouth—you might tell someone 'shut your gob!'—and combining it with 'mouthed' creates a vivid image of someone stunned speechless, their mouth hanging open!

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