flummox

In a sentence.

1. 01

   The unexpected question flummoxed the panel.

2. 02

   A minor settings change can flummox even experienced users.

Where it came from.

Flummox has an uncertain origin. It appears to have emerged from British dialect in the nineteenth century, but its deeper roots are unclear.

Why it’s interesting.

Its playful sound suits the moment when a simple problem suddenly leaves everyone puzzled.