Nonplussed

Nonplussed

Adjective · /ˌnɒnˈplʌst/

Definition

(British English) so surprised and confused that one is unsure how to react; at a complete loss; bewildered; (North American informal, increasingly common) not disconcerted; unperturbed; unfazed — NOTE: this is the opposite of the original meaning and is considered incorrect by most style guides, though it is now very widely used.

Origin

From non- (Latin: not) + plus (Latin: more, further). Latin non plus ultra meaning no further — the phrase supposedly inscribed on the Pillars of Hercules at the western end of the known world, meaning 'no further may one go'. To be nonplussed being to be brought to a point where one can go no further — at a complete standstill, unable to proceed. The past participle nonplussed therefore meaning brought to a standstill, reduced to a state of helpless bewilderment. The North American informal meaning — unperturbed — being a semantic reversal, probably arising from the mistaken reading of the non- prefix as simply indicating absence of emotion.