I just haven't had anything of worth to blog about. Heck...this probably isn't worth blogging either, but here goes.
I'm listening to Ken Follet's Pillars of the Earth on my drive to and from work. The word stupefy was used in the narrative to describe something this morning. Stupefy...stupefied...to make a strong impression on someone with something unexpected. His use of the word got me to thinking that I don't think I've ever used this perfectly credible word to describe surprise or astonishment. And that got me thinking about the words I do use. And that got me to thinking about those particular word origins.
Instead of stupefied, I will more than likely be dumbfounded (dumb + confound) or flabbergasted (origin unknown, but maybe from flabby or shaking + aghast). But what about being thunderstruck (Thor's din) or bowled over (I pictured bowling pins falling over when I read the meaning...overcome with amazement) or even gobsmacked? I love that word, gobsmacked. When I looked up the etymology for that one I found that it means...gob-mouth, smacked-clapping hand over mouth in surprise...utterly astounded.
So the next time someone drops a bombshell on you, try using a new word to express just how open-mouthed, wide-eyed and stunned you are. But, above all...don't be speechless when there are so many wonderfully expressive words in the English language.
i love that book
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI think this post is excellent, I think you have plenty to blog about.;) My Irishman used to teach English and every time we talk to each other I discover new words. As English is not my mother tongue, I often find that I tend to use only the words I am comfortable with when I speak. In writing I am a bit more bold.
ReplyDeleteThank you for listing all the synonyms to the word stupefied.;)
Enjoy your time off.;)
xo
Zuzana
what an interesting post, so much of what we all write is such drivel. i loved that book, also listened to it in audio, and the word stupefy brings to mind only one thing' i am stupified by the actions of the human race'!!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading that book too. Isn't it interesting how one word can take you on a journey. I am glad to hear why someone would say gobsmacked. I just didn't get it until I read your description. I hope you are enjoying your stacation. Stacation is one of those new (to me) words I like.
ReplyDeleteI never say stupefy either...in fact, I think my vocabulary is incredibly boring and limited. Being a mom can do that to you! ha.
ReplyDeleteA great post as always Steviewren. I'm most likely to say flabbergasted but I love the etymology of gobsmacked! It's true, we have an astounding number of words in the English language. My dear father used to say one should learn a new word and its meaning every day. He was often to be found with a dictionary or thesaurus open on his lap as he snoozed in his favourite chair!
ReplyDeleteJeanne x
Love that picture .. and I embrace the lexicon even if I do use the same words pretty much all the time ..
ReplyDeleteStupefied quite accurately describes my reaction last August when I realized I was pregnant. I haven't recovered yet.
ReplyDeleteMy beautiful friend,
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your mini-vacation but KNOW that anything you share with your friends here in bloggyland is worth sharing! Have a great Wednesday!
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI use the word flabbergasted fairly often...but I hate the sound of gobsmacked...fun post!...that book is floating around the house somewhere but I haven't had the courage to start such a big book lately...
ReplyDeleteI love reading the etymology of words. I get a daily etymology e-mail called "A Word A Day" and they are always interesting. There are so many words yet so few of them are used in regular conversation.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your little break!
Steviwren, this subject was really worthwhile blogging about. Isn't it amazing how we often have to start writing something, then we can get interesting results. - Dave
ReplyDeleteWell I'll be gobsmacked! I don't use the word much either! Too many really great words are going by the wayside. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDelete