English is a language full of colorful and expressive words, and sometimes people wonder whether certain unusual or humorous-sounding terms are legitimate. One such word is ‘flabbergast.’ It may sound like something made up in a comic book or children’s story, but this quirky term has actually been around for quite a while. If you’ve ever heard someone say they were ‘flabbergasted’ by shocking news or a surprising event, you might ask: is ‘flabbergast’ a real word? The answer is yes and there’s more to this expressive word than meets the ear.
What Does ‘Flabbergast’ Mean?
The word ‘flabbergast’ is a verb, and it means to shock, astonish, or amaze someone to the point where they are speechless or confused. It describes an extreme emotional reaction, typically caused by unexpected or surprising news, actions, or discoveries.
Examples of Use
- ‘The magician’s final trick flabbergasted the entire audience.’
- ‘I was flabbergasted when I saw the price of the antique vase.’
- ‘She flabbergasted her parents with the news of her sudden engagement.’
In each of these examples, the word conveys a strong emotional reaction that is typically tied to surprise or disbelief. That strong reaction is central to the meaning of ‘flabbergast.’
The Origin of ‘Flabbergast’
Although ‘flabbergast’ may seem like a modern or playful invention, it actually dates back to at least the 18th century. The first known use of the word was recorded around 1772 in British English. Its exact origin remains uncertain, but many etymologists believe it may be a blend of two older words: ‘flabber,’ possibly from ‘flabby’ (meaning loose or soft), and ‘aghast’ (meaning shocked or terrified). Together, they might have created a term that vividly expresses the idea of someone being so stunned they can hardly move or speak.
Interestingly, during the 18th century, several playful and expressive words began entering everyday English, and ‘flabbergast’ was one of them. Its odd sound and strong emotional power helped it stick around.
Is ‘Flabbergast’ Accepted in Formal English?
Yes, ‘flabbergast’ is accepted in both formal and informal English. It appears in all major dictionaries, including those published by Oxford, Merriam-Webster, and Cambridge. It’s not slang or a regional dialect it’s a standard English word. That being said, due to its humorous tone and exaggerated feel, it is more commonly used in spoken or informal writing rather than highly academic or legal contexts.
Dictionary Definitions
- Merriam-Webster: to overwhelm with shock, surprise, or wonder.
- Oxford English Dictionary: to astonish or amaze greatly; to shock.
- Cambridge Dictionary: to shock someone, usually by telling them something they were not expecting.
These definitions confirm that ‘flabbergast’ is not only a real word but also a recognized and respected part of the English vocabulary.
Is ‘Flabbergasted’ the Only Form?
While flabbergast is the base form, the most commonly used form of the word is the past tense and past participle ‘flabbergasted.’ You’ll most often hear someone say, I was flabbergasted, rather than I flabbergast you. However, both the present and past forms are grammatically correct.
There’s also a less common noun form, ‘flabbergastation,’ although it’s rarely used and may not be found in all dictionaries. It serves as a humorous or exaggerated way to describe the state of being shocked.
Why People Think It Might Not Be Real
The main reason people question whether ‘flabbergast’ is a real word is because of its unusual sound. The word is almost cartoonish in tone, and it has a whimsical quality that makes it feel like it might have been invented as a joke. In addition, people don’t often learn it in school settings or see it used in textbooks, which can make it seem unfamiliar to some.
However, just because a word sounds funny doesn’t mean it isn’t real. English is filled with colorful, unexpected words that come from a wide range of sources, and many of them like ‘gobbledygook,’ ‘kerfuffle,’ and ‘hullabaloo’ are perfectly valid parts of the language.
How to Use ‘Flabbergast’ Correctly
Using ‘flabbergast’ correctly is quite easy. It functions just like any other verb. Here’s how to use it in different tenses:
- Present: ‘The news flabbergasts me.’
- Past: ‘I was flabbergasted by his honesty.’
- Future: ‘That will flabbergast the entire community.’
You can use it in both written and spoken English to express surprise or shock, especially in a dramatic or lighthearted context.
Synonyms and Related Words
If you want to avoid repeating the word ‘flabbergast,’ you can use synonyms or similar expressions. Some of them include:
- Stun
- Amaze
- Astonish
- Shock
- Startle
- Boggle (the mind)
Each of these words shares a core meaning with ‘flabbergast,’ though some carry different emotional tones. For instance, ‘amaze’ can be positive, while ‘shock’ can be more neutral or negative.
Is ‘Flabbergast’ a Real Word?
Without a doubt, ‘flabbergast’ is a real English word. It has historical roots, dictionary definitions, proper grammar usage, and a place in both casual and formal English. Its colorful, exaggerated tone makes it a favorite for expressing moments of great surprise or disbelief. While it may sound playful, it is completely legitimate and well-accepted in the English language.
So the next time you find yourself at a loss for words because of something truly shocking, don’t hesitate to say you’re flabbergasted you’ll be using a real word with a rich history and vivid meaning.