gobstopper: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Informal, chiefly UK
Quick answer
What does “gobstopper” mean?
A large, round hard boiled sweet designed to be sucked slowly.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large, round hard boiled sweet designed to be sucked slowly; it often changes colour or flavour as layers dissolve.
Metaphorically, something difficult to resolve or that takes a long time to process or finish.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
'Gobstopper' is the standard British term. In American English, 'jawbreaker' is the standard term for the same type of candy. 'Gobstopper' is recognised in the US but is a less common, somewhat literary/novelty term.
Connotations
In the UK, it has nostalgic, childhood connotations. In the US, it primarily evokes the Roald Dahl book/film or is seen as a Britishism.
Frequency
High frequency in UK for the sweet; low frequency in US. The metaphorical use is rare in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “gobstopper” in a Sentence
[Verb] a/the gobstopper: suck, buy, unwrap, pop (in your mouth)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gobstopper” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He had a gobstopper-sized lump in his throat.
- The negotiation was a gobstopper issue for the committee.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused.
Academic
Virtually unused, except perhaps in cultural studies discussing confectionery or children's literature.
Everyday
Used when talking about sweets/candy, childhood, or British culture.
Technical
Unused.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gobstopper”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gobstopper”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gobstopper”
- Using 'gobstopper' generically for any hard candy in the US (use 'jawbreaker').
- Misspelling as 'gobstopper' or 'gob stopper'.
- Using it in formal contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not common. Americans primarily use 'jawbreaker'. 'Gobstopper' is recognised largely due to British cultural exports like Roald Dahl's book.
No, it is exclusively a noun. There is no standard verb form 'to gobstop'.
It comes from British slang where 'gob' means mouth. The sweet is so large and hard it acts as a 'stopper' for your mouth.
No, it is quite rare and highly informal. It is a creative extension of the core meaning, understood mostly in context.
A large, round hard boiled sweet designed to be sucked slowly.
Gobstopper is usually informal, chiefly uk in register.
Gobstopper: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡɒbstɒpə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡɑːbstɑːpər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Metaphorical] a real gobstopper (of a problem).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
GOB (British slang for mouth) + STOPPER = something that stops your mouth (because it's so big and hard). Think of a stopper for a bottle, but for your gob.
Conceptual Metaphor
A DIFFICULT PROBLEM IS A HARD CANDY (The 'gobstopper' of the budget deficit took all year to resolve.)
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary American English term for a 'gobstopper'?