>> ZG·Lingua >  >> Theoretical Linguistics >> Phonology

Why is flabbergasted a word?

"Flabbergasted" is a word because it's a blend of two other words:

* Flabber: An archaic word for "to flap," which in turn derives from the Old Dutch word "flappen."

* Aghast: Meaning "struck with terror or amazement."

The combination of these two words creates a new word that describes a state of being so surprised or astonished that one is rendered speechless or stunned.

It's a great example of how language can be creative and adapt to new situations. The word "flabbergasted" first appeared in the early 19th century and has since become a common and widely understood term.

Copyright © www.zgghmh.com ZG·Lingua All rights reserved.