flabbergasted etymology

Etymology

The word "flabbergasted" is a combination of two words:

• "Flabergast": A 16th-century word meaning "to confound" or "to amaze"
• "Gast": An archaic word for "a ghost" or "a phantom"

Meaning & Origin

"Flabbergasted" originally meant to be so surprised or amazed that one becomes as if they have seen a ghost. Over time, its meaning evolved to simply mean "greatly surprised" or "astounded."

The word "flabergast" itself is thought to have originated from the Old Norse word "flugabergast," meaning "to frighten" or "to terrify." The word "gast" is related to the Proto-Germanic word "*gais," which means "spirit" or "ghost."

Therefore, the combination of "flabergast" and "gast" in "flabbergasted" creates a vivid image of someone who is so surprised that they are almost like a ghost themselves.

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