Top 63 Slang For Surprise – Meaning & Usage

Surprises can be exciting, shocking, or even downright mind-blowing. But what do you say when you’re caught off guard and need the perfect slang to express your astonishment? Look no further! We’ve got you covered with a list of the top slang words and phrases for surprise. Get ready to level up your reactions and leave your friends speechless with these unexpected expressions.

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1. Knock your socks off

This phrase is used to describe something that is extremely impressive or surprising. It suggests that the surprise is so great that it would knock someone’s socks off.

For example, “The magician’s trick really knocked my socks off!”
A person might say, “The view from the top of the mountain will knock your socks off.”
Someone might exclaim, “The ending of that movie really knocked my socks off!”

2. Blow someone’s mind

This expression means to surprise or impress someone to such an extent that it feels like their mind has been blown.

For instance, “The incredible performance by the band blew my mind!”
A person might say, “The scientific discovery completely blew my mind.”
Someone might exclaim, “The plot twist in that book totally blew my mind!”

3. Be floored

When someone is floored, it means they are taken aback or stunned by something unexpected.

For example, “I was floored when I heard the news of their engagement.”
A person might say, “The surprise party really floored me.”
Someone might exclaim, “I was floored by the talent of the young musician!”

4. Ring a bell

This phrase is used to ask if something is familiar or if it reminds someone of something.

For instance, “Does the name John Smith ring a bell?”
A person might say, “That song really rings a bell, but I can’t remember the artist.”
Someone might ask, “Does this picture ring a bell? Have you seen it before?”

5. Take someone aback

This expression means to surprise or startle someone, often by something unexpected or unusual.

For example, “Her sudden outburst took me aback.”
A person might say, “The teacher’s announcement took the students aback.”
Someone might exclaim, “The unexpected turn of events really took me aback!”

6. Take someone by surprise

This phrase means to surprise someone unexpectedly or to do something that the person wasn’t prepared for. It often implies that the surprise was sudden and unexpected.

For example, “I took him by surprise when I showed up at his birthday party.”
In a conversation about a surprise party, someone might say, “We need to make sure to take her by surprise when she walks in.”
A person might say, “I wanted to take him by surprise with the gift, so I didn’t tell him what it was.”

7. Leave someone gobsmacked

This phrase means to astonish or shock someone to the point where they are unable to speak. It implies that the surprise or shock was so great that the person is left without words.

For instance, “The news of her promotion left her gobsmacked.”
In a discussion about a surprising plot twist in a movie, someone might say, “It completely left me gobsmacked.”
A person might exclaim, “I was gobsmacked when I saw how much weight she had lost.”

8. Make someone’s eyes pop out of their head

This phrase is used to describe a reaction of extreme surprise or shock. It suggests that the surprise was so unexpected and astonishing that it caused the person’s eyes to widen in disbelief.

For example, “When I told him the news, it made his eyes pop out of his head.”
In a conversation about a surprising magic trick, someone might say, “It was so amazing, it made everyone’s eyes pop out of their heads.”
A person might exclaim, “The price of that car made my eyes pop out of my head!”

9. Make someone’s heart skip a beat

This phrase is used to describe a reaction of surprise that is so intense it causes a momentary pause in someone’s heartbeat. It suggests that the surprise was both unexpected and emotionally impactful.

For instance, “When he proposed, it made her heart skip a beat.”
In a discussion about a scary movie, someone might say, “There were so many jump scares that it made my heart skip a beat.”
A person might exclaim, “The surprise party they threw for me made my heart skip a beat!”

10. Make someone’s hair stand on end

This phrase is used to describe a reaction of extreme surprise or fear that is so intense it causes the hair on someone’s body to stand upright. It suggests that the surprise or fear was so intense that it caused a physical reaction.

For example, “The loud noise made her hair stand on end.”
In a conversation about a scary story, someone might say, “It was so creepy, it made my hair stand on end.”
A person might exclaim, “The unexpected jump scare in the movie made my hair stand on end!”

11. Wow

Used to express a strong feeling of surprise or amazement.

For example, “Wow, that sunset is absolutely breathtaking!”
A person might exclaim, “Wow, I can’t believe I won the lottery!”
Someone might react with, “Wow, that’s the best news I’ve heard all day!”

12. Holy cow

Used to express a high level of surprise or disbelief.

For instance, “Holy cow, I can’t believe how big that fish is!”
A person might exclaim, “Holy cow, I just found out I’m going to be a parent!”
Someone might react with, “Holy cow, I never expected to see you here!”

13. No freaking way

Used to convey a strong sense of surprise or skepticism.

For example, “No freaking way, I just won a trip to Hawaii!”
A person might exclaim, “No freaking way, I can’t believe you ate that whole pizza by yourself!”
Someone might react with, “No freaking way, that’s the craziest thing I’ve ever heard!”

14. Are you kidding me?

Used to express doubt or shock at something that is hard to believe.

For instance, “Are you kidding me? I just got a promotion!”
A person might exclaim, “Are you kidding me? I can’t believe how much this concert ticket costs!”
Someone might react with, “Are you kidding me? That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard!”

15. I can’t believe it

Used to convey a sense of surprise or shock at something unexpected.

For example, “I can’t believe it, I just won the lottery!”
A person might exclaim, “I can’t believe it, I got accepted into my dream college!”
Someone might react with, “I can’t believe it, they actually fixed my car for free!”

16. Oh my God

This phrase is used to convey a strong sense of surprise or shock. It is often used when something unexpected or unbelievable happens.

For example, “Oh my God, I can’t believe I won the lottery!”
When seeing something incredible, someone might exclaim, “Oh my God, that sunset is breathtaking!”
Upon hearing shocking news, a person might say, “Oh my God, I can’t believe they’re getting divorced!”

17. What the heck

This phrase is used to express confusion or disbelief in a more polite way. It is often used when something unexpected or confusing happens.

For instance, “What the heck is going on here? I thought we were going to have a quiet dinner.”
When someone does something completely unexpected, you might say, “What the heck were they thinking?”
Upon hearing a strange or unbelievable story, someone might ask, “What the heck did I just read?”

18. Well, I’ll be damned

This phrase is used to express disbelief or astonishment. It is often used when something surprising or unexpected happens that challenges one’s beliefs or expectations.

For example, “Well, I’ll be damned, I never thought I would see the day when pigs fly!”
When someone accomplishes something extraordinary, you might say, “Well, I’ll be damned, they actually did it!”
Upon hearing an incredible story, someone might exclaim, “Well, I’ll be damned, that’s hard to believe!”

19. Blow my mind

This phrase is used to describe something that is so surprising or astonishing that it completely overwhelms and amazes you.

For instance, “That movie really blew my mind. The plot twist was unexpected!”
When experiencing something incredible, you might say, “The view from the top of the mountain really blew my mind!”
Upon learning new information that challenges your beliefs, you might exclaim, “Wow, that really blows my mind!”

20. Knock my socks off

This phrase is used to describe something that impresses or astonishes you to such a degree that it figuratively knocks your socks off.

For example, “The performance by the band last night really knocked my socks off. They were amazing!”
When trying a new dish that is incredibly delicious, you might say, “Wow, this food really knocks my socks off!”
Upon seeing a breathtaking work of art, someone might exclaim, “That painting really knocked my socks off! It’s stunning!”

21. Mind-blowing

Something that is so surprising or impressive that it feels like it has blown your mind.

For example, “The special effects in that movie were mind-blowing.”
A person might say, “I just read this book and it’s absolutely mind-blowing.”
Another might exclaim, “The view from the top of the mountain was mind-blowing!”

22. Unbelievable

Something that is so surprising or incredible that it is difficult to believe or accept.

For instance, “I saw an unbelievable magic trick at the show last night.”
A person might say, “The athlete’s performance was unbelievable.”
Another might exclaim, “I just won the lottery! It’s unbelievable!”

23. Can’t wrap my head around it

A phrase used to express difficulty in understanding or comprehending something that is surprising or shocking.

For example, “I can’t wrap my head around the fact that she got married without telling anyone.”
A person might say, “The complexity of the math problem is so high, I can’t wrap my head around it.”
Another might exclaim, “I can’t wrap my head around the fact that he lied to us all this time!”

24. That’s insane

A phrase used to express extreme surprise or shock at something.

For instance, “Did you hear? He won the lottery! That’s insane!”
A person might say, “The speed at which she completed the race was insane.”
Another might exclaim, “I just saw the most insane magic trick ever!”

25. That’s crazy

A phrase used to express surprise or disbelief at something.

For example, “He quit his job without any backup plan. That’s crazy!”
A person might say, “The price of that car is crazy. I can’t believe it.”
Another might exclaim, “I just witnessed the craziest thing on the street!”

26. That’s mind-boggling

When something is described as “mind-boggling,” it means that it is extremely surprising or astonishing. It suggests that the thing being referred to is so incredible that it is difficult to comprehend or understand.

For example, “The magician’s trick was so mind-boggling that the audience couldn’t believe their eyes.”
A person might say, “The amount of money he makes is mind-boggling.”
Another might exclaim, “The view from the top of the mountain is absolutely mind-boggling!”

27. That’s mind-blowing

When something is described as “mind-blowing,” it means that it is extremely shocking, impressive, or surprising. The term suggests that the thing being referred to is so extraordinary that it has a profound effect on one’s mind.

For instance, “The plot twist in the movie was absolutely mind-blowing.”
A person might say, “The scientific discovery is truly mind-blowing.”
Another might exclaim, “The talent of the young musician is mind-blowing!”

28. That’s mind-bending

When something is described as “mind-bending,” it means that it is mind-altering or mind-expanding. The term suggests that the thing being referred to challenges one’s usual way of thinking or understanding.

For example, “The concept of time travel is mind-bending.”
A person might say, “The abstract artwork is truly mind-bending.”
Another might exclaim, “The philosophical discussion was incredibly mind-bending!”

29. That’s out of this world

When something is described as “out of this world,” it means that it is incredibly extraordinary or amazing. The term suggests that the thing being referred to is so exceptional that it surpasses what is normally experienced or expected.

For instance, “The flavors of this dish are out of this world.”
A person might say, “The concert last night was out of this world.”
Another might exclaim, “The performance of the athlete was truly out of this world!”

30. Shocked

When someone is described as “shocked,” it means that they are feeling great surprise or astonishment. The term suggests that the person is taken aback or caught off guard by something unexpected.

For example, “She was shocked to hear the news of her promotion.”
A person might say, “I was shocked when I found out I won the lottery.”
Another might exclaim, “I’m shocked that you didn’t know about the surprise party!”

31. Taken aback

To be taken aback means to be caught off guard or surprised by something unexpected.

For example, “I was taken aback when she announced her resignation.”
If someone says something shocking, you might respond, “Wow, I’m really taken aback by that.”
When someone unexpectedly shows up at your door, you might say, “You caught me taken aback!”

32. Blown away

To be blown away means to be extremely impressed or surprised by something.

For instance, “I was blown away by the performance of the lead actor.”
If someone receives an unexpected gift, they might exclaim, “I’m completely blown away by your generosity!”
When someone achieves something remarkable, you might say, “I’m blown away by their talent and dedication.”

33. Caught off guard

To be caught off guard means to be surprised or unprepared for something.

For example, “I was caught off guard by her sudden question.”
If someone startles you, you might say, “You really caught me off guard!”
When someone unexpectedly reveals a secret, you might respond, “I was completely caught off guard by that revelation.”

34. Knocked for six

To be knocked for six means to be completely surprised or shocked by something.

For instance, “The news of her promotion really knocked me for six.”
If someone tells you something unbelievable, you might say, “That really knocked me for six!”
When someone unexpectedly wins an award, you might exclaim, “They really knocked it out of the park! I’m completely knocked for six!”

35. Floored

To be floored means to be extremely surprised or astonished by something.

For example, “Her talent for singing really floored me.”
If someone reveals a shocking truth, you might say, “I’m completely floored by what you just told me!”
When someone accomplishes something incredible, you might exclaim, “They’ve really floored everyone with their success!”

36. Stunned

When someone is stunned, they are completely taken aback or surprised by something unexpected.

For example, “I was stunned when I found out I won the lottery.”
A person might say, “I was stunned when I saw my favorite celebrity walking down the street.”
Another might exclaim, “I was stunned by the incredible sunset over the ocean.”

37. Startled

To be startled means to be suddenly surprised or frightened by something unexpected.

For instance, “I was startled when the car alarm went off.”
A person might say, “The loud noise startled me.”
Another might exclaim, “I was startled by the sudden flash of lightning.”

38. Thunderstruck

When someone is thunderstruck, they are completely astonished or amazed by something.

For example, “I was thunderstruck when I found out I got the job.”
A person might say, “I was thunderstruck by the breathtaking view from the mountaintop.”
Another might exclaim, “I was thunderstruck by the surprise party thrown for me.”

39. Bowled over

To be bowled over means to be completely overwhelmed or astonished by something.

For instance, “I was bowled over by the generosity of my friends.”
A person might say, “I was bowled over by the incredible talent of the performers.”
Another might exclaim, “I was bowled over by the unexpected success of my business.”

40. Flabbergasted

When someone is flabbergasted, they are utterly astonished or shocked by something.

For example, “I was flabbergasted when I saw the size of the dessert.”
A person might say, “I was flabbergasted by the news of their engagement.”
Another might exclaim, “I was flabbergasted by the surprise ending of the movie.”

41. Astounded

To be extremely surprised or amazed to the point of disbelief. “Astounded” is often used to describe a strong reaction to something unexpected.

For example, “I was astounded when I won the lottery.”
A person might say, “I was astounded by the amount of support I received.”
Another might exclaim, “I am astounded by the talent of these young musicians!”

42. Taken by surprise

To be unexpectedly surprised or caught off guard by something. “Taken by surprise” implies a lack of anticipation or preparation for the event or news.

For instance, “I was taken by surprise when my friends threw me a surprise party.”
A person might say, “I was taken by surprise by the sudden change in weather.”
Another might exclaim, “I was taken by surprise when I saw my favorite celebrity in person!”

43. Jolted

To be suddenly shocked or surprised, often by a sudden movement or event. “Jolted” implies a sudden and strong reaction to the surprise.

For example, “I was jolted awake by the sound of thunder.”
A person might say, “The unexpected news jolted me out of my daydream.”
Another might exclaim, “I was jolted by the surprise twist in the movie!”

44. Amazed

To be greatly surprised or impressed by something. “Amazed” conveys a sense of wonder and astonishment.

For instance, “I was amazed by the beautiful sunset.”
A person might say, “I am amazed by the talent of these young athletes.”
Another might exclaim, “I was amazed by the incredible acrobatics of the circus performers!”

45. Dumbfounded

To be so surprised or shocked that one is unable to speak or react. “Dumbfounded” suggests a state of being completely at a loss for words or unable to comprehend what has happened.

For example, “I was dumbfounded when I found out I won the lottery.”
A person might say, “I was dumbfounded by the unexpected turn of events.”
Another might exclaim, “I was dumbfounded by the breathtaking beauty of the landscape!”

46. Awestruck

When someone is awestruck, they are filled with a sense of wonder and amazement. It often occurs when witnessing something extraordinary or impressive.

For example, “I was awestruck by the beautiful sunset over the ocean.”
A person might say, “I was completely awestruck when I saw the Grand Canyon for the first time.”
Someone might describe a powerful performance as, “The audience was awestruck by the talented singer.”

47. Baffled

When someone is baffled, they are completely confused or perplexed by something. It often occurs when faced with a situation or problem that is difficult to understand.

For instance, “I was completely baffled by the math problem.”
A person might say, “I’m baffled by the sudden change in his behavior.”
Someone might describe a complex puzzle as, “It’s a baffling mystery that no one can solve.”

48. Stupefied

When someone is stupefied, they are in a state of shock or disbelief. It often occurs when something unexpected or surprising happens.

For example, “I was stupefied when I won the lottery.”
A person might say, “I was absolutely stupefied by the news of her promotion.”
Someone might describe a shocking twist in a movie as, “The plot twist left me completely stupefied.”

49. Flummoxed

When someone is flummoxed, they are utterly confused or bewildered. It often occurs when faced with a situation or problem that is difficult to comprehend or solve.

For instance, “I was completely flummoxed by the riddle.”
A person might say, “I’m flummoxed by the instructions for assembling this furniture.”
Someone might describe a complicated puzzle as, “It’s a flummoxing challenge that requires careful thinking.”

50. Taken by storm

When someone is taken by storm, they are completely surprised or overwhelmed by something. It often occurs when faced with a sudden and unexpected event or situation.

For example, “I was taken by storm when my favorite band announced a surprise concert.”
A person might say, “She was taken by storm when her partner proposed.”
Someone might describe a successful product launch as, “The new smartphone was taken by storm by consumers.”

51. Mind-blown

When something is so astonishing or incredible that it leaves you speechless and in awe.

“I just watched that magic trick and I am completely mind-blown!”
“The plot twist in that movie had me mind-blown.”
“I can’t believe she won the lottery,“I can’t believe she won the lottery, I’m mind-blown!”

52. Gobsmacked

To be so taken aback by something that you are left speechless and unable to react.

“I was gobsmacked when I found out I got accepted into my dream college.”
“His sudden resignation from the company left everyone gobsmacked.”
“She was gobsmacked when she saw her surprise birthday party.”

53. Wowed

To be greatly astonished or impressed by something.

“The fireworks display at the concert had the crowd wowed.”
“The singer’s powerful voice left the audience wowed.”
“I was wowed by the breathtaking view from the top of the mountain.”

54. Surprised as hell

To be incredibly taken aback or caught off guard by something.

“When I saw my favorite celebrity walking down the street,“When I saw my favorite celebrity walking down the street, I was surprised as hell.”
“I was surprised as hell when I found out I won the lottery.”
“She was surprised as hell when her partner proposed to her on their anniversary.”

55. Speechless

To be so astonished or amazed that you are rendered speechless and unable to find words to express your emotions.

“The surprise party left me speechless.”
“When he told me he had been secretly planning a trip for us,“When he told me he had been secretly planning a trip for us, I was left speechless.”
“The grand finale of the show had the entire audience speechless.”

56. Jaws dropped

This phrase is used to describe a moment when someone is so surprised that their mouth literally drops open, resembling the action of a jaw dropping. It signifies a state of astonishment or disbelief.

For example, “When she announced her pregnancy, everyone’s jaws dropped in the room.”
A person might say, “His performance was so incredible that it left the audience with their jaws dropped.”
Another example could be, “When he won the lottery, he stood there with his jaws dropped, unable to believe his luck.”

57. Mind blown

When something is so surprising or impressive that it feels like your mind has been blown. It signifies a state of being overwhelmed by astonishment.

For instance, “After watching the magic trick, my mind was blown. I had no idea how he did it.”
A person might say, “The plot twist in the movie left me with my mind blown. I never saw it coming.”
Another example could be, “When she revealed her hidden talent, it left everyone with their minds blown.”

58. Nonplussed

This term is used to describe a state of being so surprised or shocked that one is momentarily unable to react or respond. It signifies a feeling of being caught off guard or taken aback.

For example, “When he confessed his love, she was completely nonplussed and didn’t know how to respond.”
A person might say, “The unexpected turn of events left me feeling nonplussed and unsure of what to do next.”
Another example could be, “His sudden resignation left his colleagues nonplussed and scrambling to find a replacement.”

59. Dumbstruck

When someone is so surprised or shocked that they are unable to find words to express their emotions. It signifies a state of being utterly astonished or amazed.

For instance, “When she won the award, she was completely dumbstruck and couldn’t believe it.”
A person might say, “The grand reveal left the audience dumbstruck, unable to comprehend what they were seeing.”
Another example could be, “His heartfelt speech left everyone in the room dumbstruck, unable to respond for a moment.”

60. Shock and awe

This phrase is used to describe a state of being both shocked and awestruck at the same time. It signifies a feeling of being completely taken aback and overwhelmed by something astonishing.

For example, “The fireworks display was a spectacle of shock and awe, leaving the crowd in awe.”
A person might say, “The grand entrance of the celebrity caused a moment of shock and awe among the fans.”
Another example could be, “The incredible performance left the audience in a state of shock and awe, applauding enthusiastically.”

61. Mind-boggling

This term is used to describe something that is so surprising or astonishing that it is difficult to comprehend or understand.

For example, “The magician’s trick was mind-boggling, leaving the audience in awe.”
A person might say, “The plot twist in that movie was absolutely mind-boggling.”
Another might exclaim, “I just read the most mind-boggling article!”

62. Knocked sideways

This phrase is used to convey a sense of being completely caught off guard or shocked by something unexpected.

For instance, “When she found out she won the lottery, she was completely knocked sideways.”
A person might say, “I was knocked sideways when I heard the news of their engagement.”
Another might exclaim, “The surprise party really knocked me sideways!”

63. Flipped out

This slang term is used to describe a strong and immediate reaction to a surprising or exciting event.

For example, “When she saw the surprise gift, she completely flipped out.”
A person might say, “I flipped out when I heard I got the job.”
Another might exclaim, “I can’t believe I won the lottery! I’m flipping out!”