Jumped out of his socks

[RonBee]

Ron nearly jumped out of his socks.

[RonBee]

Which choice is the most accurate?

~R

[blouen]

I chose surprised, am I right?

[RonBee]

I chose surprised, am I right?

Think in terms of a stronger reaction.

[Fleur de mort]

surprised
I think is right

[blouen]

Think in terms of a stronger reaction.

very much surprised?

- I guess startled will be my only option then.

[RonBee]

very much surprised?

- I guess startled will be my only option then.

Yes, it is really the only option. One can be pleasantly surprised but not pleasantly startled. (The fight or flight response is induced.)

It describes a quite temporary thing. You're paying attention to one thing then something else gets your attention in a rather rude manner (startles you) and then when you realize that the situation is not life-threatening you calm down somewhat. You might say later about what happened that you almost jumped out of your socks.

~R

[sydneysider]

Or you can say jumped out of his skin...

[blouen]

Or you can say jumped out of his skin...

Literally, Jumping out of my skin seems very painful.

Can we say, I jumped out of my shoes? I got my shoes on for now, then I'll jump of of my socks if you startle me again. After doing so, if you try to startle me one more time, I'll jump out of my skin.
If you continue the fourth time, I'll get you and tear you apart.

[sydneysider]

Literally, Jumping out of my skin seems very painful.

Can we say, I jumped out of my shoes? I got my shoes on for now, then I'll jump of of my socks if you startle me again. After doing so, if you try to startle me one more time, I'll jump out of my skin.
If you continue the fourth time, I'll get you and tear you apart.

I'm so glad we're not living in the same town.