flabbergasted
Meaning
extremely surprised or shocked
Usage
i was completely flabbergasted when they announced my name as the winner.
her sudden resignation left the entire board flabbergasted.
he looked absolutely flabbergasted by the outrageous accusation.
Etymology
the word 'flabbergasted' first appeared in english in the late 18th century. its origins are obscure but likely fanciful, possibly a playful combination of existing words meant to evoke a state of astonishment. one plausible theory suggests a blend of 'flabby' or 'flap' (to suggest being struck) and 'aghast' or 'agast' (meaning struck with terror). another theory points to a possible dialectal influence. regardless of its precise roots, the word's formation follows a pattern of creating expressive, often humorous terms to describe being utterly confounded or dumbfounded, and it has since become a standard, if informal, part of the english lexicon.
Analysis
this word is considered an unsegmentable simplex. it is a fanciful formation of uncertain origin, with no clear, separable morphemes in modern english.