‘Gobsmacked’: Keep Your Pants on Before Reading This Book

So writes our columnist of the new account of the British invasion of American English.

Anthony O'Neil via Wikimedia Commons CC2.0
British flags on display in 2018. Anthony O'Neil via Wikimedia Commons CC2.0

A new book, ‘Gobsmacked!,” by Ben Yagoda, is about the British invasion of American English, and is getting rave reviews. It  proves yet again that we are, as George Bernard Shaw noted, “two countries separated by the same language.” Without even reading it, I’ve got much to say on this subject, so let’s get the immature — a.k.a. amusing — stuff out of the way first.

Have an account? Log In

To continue reading, please select:

Limited Access

Enter your email to read for FREE

Get 1 FREE article

Continue with
or
Unlimited Access

Join the Sun for a PENNY A DAY

$0.01/day for 60 days

Cancel anytime

100% ad free experience

Unlimited article and commenting access

Full annual dues ($120) billed after 60 days

By continuing you agree to our
Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Advertisement
The New York Sun

© 2025 The New York Sun Company, LLC. All rights reserved.

Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The material on this site is protected by copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used.

The New York Sun

Sign in or  Create a free account

or
By continuing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use