whatchamacallit
Definition
The meaning: Whatchamacallit is an informal word used when you can't remember the name of something, or when the name is irrelevant or unknown.
La signification : Whatchamacallit est un mot familier employé quand on ne se souvient pas du nom d’un objet ou quand ce nom importe peu ou est inconnu.
Here's an example of use: "Can you pass me the… whatchamacallit… the thing you use to open bottles?"
It’s often used in casual speech when the speaker is momentarily unsure of the correct word or doesn’t want to bother naming it.
Word Analysis
French equivalents »» Truc »» Machin »» Bidule »» Chose »» Machin-chouette Ⓐ Tu peux me passer le whatchamacallit pour ouvrir la bouteille ? Ⓑ J’ai mis le whatchamacallit dans le tiroir à gauche. English equivalents »» Thingy »» Thingamajig »» Whatsit »» Doohickey »» Thingamabob Ⓐ I was looking for the whatchamacallit to fix the plug. Ⓑ We used one of those whatchamacallits to hold it together.
Dialogue
Anna: "Do you know where the, uh… whatchamacallit is?" Ben: "You mean the stapler?" Anna: "Yeah, that!"
Etymology
Origin: A blend of the phrase "what you may call it," first attested in the early 20th century in American English. It’s a playful stand-in for forgotten or unspecified nouns.
Modern Usage: Common in casual, spoken English when referring to tools, gadgets, or other concrete items whose names escape the speaker.
Connotation: Lighthearted, humorous, and non-specific — not rude but very informal.
Grammar Note: Used as a noun: “Hand me that whatchamacallit over there.”
Audience
Whatchamacallit is mainly used in informal English. It's particularly useful in speech and light writing when the exact name of something isn't known or needed.
When to use: Use it in everyday conversations or humorous contexts where precision isn't necessary. Avoid in formal or professional settings. For example: “I need the whatchamacallit that tightens screws — where is it?”
Dialogue
Lewis: "Where did you put the... uh, that thing we use to open bottles?" Emma: "Oh, the whatchamacallit? It’s in the kitchen drawer."
Etymology
Origin: Whatchamacallit is a playful contraction of "what you may call it," originating in early 20th-century American English as a placeholder for forgotten or unknown words.
Modern Usage: A lighthearted, informal term used when the speaker can’t recall the name of an object, person, or concept.
Connotation: Casual and humorous — often self-deprecating or teasing. Not offensive, but overly informal for serious contexts.
Grammar Note: Functions as a noun substitute (e.g., "Hand me that whatchamacallit"). Sometimes hyphenated ("whatchamacallit") or spelled as "whatchamacallit."
Audience
Whatchamacallit is common in relaxed, conversational English, especially in North America. It appears in comedy, everyday speech, and writing mimicking informal tone (e.g., blogs, scripts).
When to use: Replace it momentarily for forgotten words among friends or in low-stakes settings. Example: "We need to fix this whatchamacallit… the carburetor? Yeah, that!" Avoid in formal or technical communication.
Dictionary Meaning
The Free Dictionary defines it as A name for a gadget or thing whose actual name is unknown or has been forgotten. Says that it is most commonly used in negative constructions.
Here's an example of use: "He said the machine will generate… whatchamacallit… electrostatic potential energy, something like that."
News Snippet
"There once were these foolish doubters who’d say
By greed or hate so corrupted that day
'Climate change is fake news'
These non-humans enthuse
As tropical storm whatchamacallit sweeps them away."
Extra! Extra!
For a fun and engaging exploration of our word of the day, watch the following…'Decoding "Whatchamacallit"'
'Whatchamacallit in movies'
WordReference
When exploring the nuances of words, sometimes dictionaries don't provide enough context. The WordReference Forums offer insightful discussions that delve into the subtleties of language, including idiomatic expressions, usage nuances, and translations across languages.
Here are some quick links to help you navigate WordReference for deeper understanding:
» English⇄English–Discuss and learn about words and their usage.
» English⇄French–Explore translations and linguistic nuances
» Synonyms⇄Antonyms–Contextual variations, etc.
Common Idioms & Expressions Related to "Whatchamacallit"
Whatchamacallit
An informal word used when you can’t remember or don’t know the name of something; a placeholder for a forgotten or unknown term.
Example: "Can you hand me the whatchamacallit on the counter? I need it to fix this."
Thingamajig / Thingamabob
Informal words similar to 'whatchamacallit', used when the actual name of an object is unknown or momentarily forgotten.
Example: "Pass me that thingamajig so I can open this bottle."
Doohickey
Another playful term for an object whose name you can’t recall, often used for small gadgets or tools.
Example: "I need that little doohickey to tighten the screw."
Whatsit / Whatsits
Casual terms used to refer to something when the name is unknown or forgotten.
Example: "Could you grab the whatsit from the toolbox? It’s the one with the red handle."
Comments
Post a Comment