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I'm speechless.....

'Tis the season to be kind, and I would like to be, but in the interests of telling the truth, I wanted to share this less than kind thought.   I really do enjoy watching programs where people excel and achieve something that is beyond most of our wildest dreams, I just wish they didn't tell us they were speechless, split seconds before launching into a long speech.  

Words and expressions change their meaning over time, but this is one expression which clearly means that you are unable to speak, and should be one that people say about you ie "She is speechless", while you stand in stunned silence, so totally overcome that you literally can't speak.

I have no idea why this niggles every time I hear it, particularly as at least one thesaurus lists speechless as an alternative to overwhelmed!     I know that in the giant scheme of things, it is very petty, but I'm sure I'm not alone in having silly things drive me crazy.   So in the interests of my future peace of mind, here are some possible alternatives when you are totally gobsmacked.

I'm overwhelmed, overawed, flabbergasted,stunned, dumbfounded (similar argument to speechless, though), knocked for six, overcome, dazed, delighted, so proud, amazed, beside myself with joy, about to bust my britches, and am anything but speechless.

And congratulations on your amazing achievement.   Words can't express how delighted I am for you.....



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