What it means
A stunner is someone or something so good-looking or impressive it stops your brain for a sec. Most often it's a big warm compliment for a gorgeous person, but you can say it about a house, an outfit, a car, a view, the lot. Absolute stunner is the classic full-strength version.
Usage examples
"Saw Dan’s new girlfriend down the pub and nearly spilled my pint. Absolute stunner. Even his new motor looks a stunner after that dodgy wash."
"My nan rocked up to the wedding in a turquoise hat the size of a satellite dish. Absolute stunner, the lot of us clapped when she walked in."
"Mate, the view from the top of Arthur's Seat at sunrise is a proper stunner. Worth the climb even with hungover legs."
"Did you see Zara at the party last night? Red dress, killer heels, the whole room went a bit useless. Absolute stunner."
"That little cottage we booked in Cornwall is a stunner. Tiny kitchen, huge sea view, and not a speck of nonsense anywhere."
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Where it comes from
It comes from stun, meaning to knock someone senseless or leave them briefly speechless. Stunner is recorded in English from the 1800s for a striking person or thing. In British English it settled in nicely as a punchy compliment, especially in absolute stunner for someone gorgeous or something seriously impressive.
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