- Placeholder words used when you can't remember or don't know the specific name of an object.
- They refer to some kind of gadget, tool, or unnamed item.
Explanation
Origin
- Whatchamacallit: A slurred, phonetic spelling of What you may call it or What you might call it. Dates back to the early 20th century.
- Thingamajig: Likely a playful elaboration of thing, possibly influenced by jigger (a small measure or device). Also early 20th century.
- Doohickey: Origin less clear, possibly related to doodad (another placeholder for a small item/ornament) or just a nonsensical formation. Popularized around the mid-20th century.
- These words arise from the common human experience of momentarily forgetting a word.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Thingy / Thingie (Very common, simple)
- Jawn (Philadelphia regional slang for almost any noun, including objects) *Originates from African American Vernacular English in Philadelphia, possibly related to joint. It's a highly versatile placeholder noun.*
- Dealio (Less common for objects, more for situations, but sometimes used playfully for items: What's the dealio with this little button?)
Milder/Standard:
- The thing
- That item
- The object
- The device
(No real vulgar alternatives for simply forgetting a name, though frustration might lead to swearing *about* the situation.)
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal.
- Perfectly acceptable in casual conversation among friends, family, or familiar colleagues.
- Avoid in formal writing or presentations where precise language is expected. Might seem unprofessional or unprepared.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Generally well-understood as placeholders. The main issue is ambiguity – the listener might not know *which* object is being referred to without further context or pointing.
Examples
- Could you pass me the... uh... whatchamacallit on the counter? (Pointing at a tool)
- I need one of those little plastic thingamajigs to fix this.
- My kid broke the little doohickey that holds the battery cover on.
Dialogue
Dad: Honey, have you seen the... the thingamajig? For opening jars?
Mom: The rubber gripper doohickey? Check the top drawer.
Dad: Ah, yeah, the whatchamacallit. Found it!
Social Media Examples
- Post (with picture): Anyone know what this little plastic whatchamacallit is for? Found it in my toolbox. #DIY #mystery
- Comment: Help! My vacuum cleaner isn't working. I think the little spinny thingamajig at the bottom is stuck.
- Tweet: Need tech support: the doohickey that connects my monitor cable keeps coming loose. What's it actually called?
Response Patterns
- The listener might try to guess the object: You mean the remote control? / The screwdriver?
- They might ask for more description: What does it look like? / Where is it?
- They might simply hand over the object if it's obvious what the speaker means (e.g., if they are pointing).
- They might use the placeholder back: Oh, that whatchamacallit? Here you go.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After hearing one of these terms:
- Listener: The [specific name]? (Offering the correct word)
- Listener: Show me which one you mean.
- Listener: What does it do?
The speaker, after using the term, might add descriptive details: ...you know, the red thing with the handle?
Conversation Starter
- No. Used mid-conversation when a specific noun is momentarily forgotten.
Intonation
- Often said with a slight pause or hesitation before it, reflecting the speaker's struggle to recall the actual word.
- The word itself is usually spoken relatively quickly, often with slight stress on the first or second syllable (WHATcha-ma-call-it, THINga-ma-jig, DOO-hick-ey).
Generation Differences
- Understood by most generations, though doohickey and thingamajig might sound slightly more dated or folksy to younger generations compared to whatchamacallit. Younger speakers might just say thingy.
Regional Variations
- All three are common in American English.
- Similar placeholders exist in other English varieties (e.g., gubbins in British English for miscellaneous small items or parts).