gob-stopper: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, colloquial
Quick answer
What does “gob-stopper” mean?
A large, hard, spherical sweet that is sucked slowly and lasts a long time.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large, hard, spherical sweet that is sucked slowly and lasts a long time.
Something that is difficult to solve, understand, or deal with; a persistent problem or challenge.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'gob-stopper' is predominantly British. In American English, the equivalent sweet is typically called a 'jawbreaker'.
Connotations
In British English, it carries nostalgic, childhood connotations. In American English, 'jawbreaker' is the standard term with similar connotations.
Frequency
High frequency in UK for the sweet; very low in US. The metaphorical use is rare in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “gob-stopper” in a Sentence
suck on a gob-stopperbe a real gob-stopper (of a problem)last like a gob-stopperVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gob-stopper” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- It was a gob-stopper of a puzzle.
- He faced a gob-stopper dilemma.
American English
- It was a jawbreaker of a puzzle.
- He faced a jawbreaker dilemma.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used metaphorically in informal settings: 'The contract negotiations are a real gob-stopper.'
Academic
Extremely rare. Not used in formal academic writing.
Everyday
Common in UK for the sweet, especially among children or in nostalgic contexts. Metaphorical use is informal.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gob-stopper”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gob-stopper”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gob-stopper”
- Spelling as 'gobstopper' (hyphen is standard).
- Using it in formal American contexts where 'jawbreaker' is expected.
- Overusing the metaphorical sense.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is standardly hyphenated: gob-stopper.
The most direct equivalent is 'jawbreaker'.
No, it is exclusively a noun (and occasionally used attributively as an adjective, e.g., 'a gob-stopper problem').
No, it is a relatively rare and informal figurative extension, often used for humorous or emphatic effect.
A large, hard, spherical sweet that is sucked slowly and lasts a long time.
Gob-stopper is usually informal, colloquial in register.
Gob-stopper: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡɒb ˌstɒp.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡɑːb ˌstɑː.pɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a real gob-stopper (of a problem)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a sweet so big it stops your 'gob' (British slang for mouth).
Conceptual Metaphor
A DIFFICULT PROBLEM IS A HARD SWEET (that takes a long time to consume/solve).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'gob-stopper' the standard term for a large, hard spherical sweet?