doodad
That small whatsit
A doodad is a small object whose name you don't know or can't recall—a placeholder word like thingamajig or whatchamacallit: What's this doodad for?
It often refers to gadgets, parts, or decorative items: The shelf was cluttered with doodads.
The word is casual and typically dismissive, suggesting the object is minor or unimportant.
Small decorative object
- tchotchkeSmall decorative trifle
- baubleShowy, worthless ornament
- curioOdd collectible item
- bibelotSmall decorative collectible
gewgaw · novelty · figurine · souvenir · keepsake · memento · charm · token
Nameless mechanical device
- widgetUnspecified small device
- contraptionImprovised or odd mechanism
- deviceConstructed tool or machine
- thingamajigPlaceholder for unnamed objects
whatchamacallit · thingummy · mechanism · apparatus · implement · tool · appliance · instrument
knickknack
Small decorative object
bibelot · gewgaw · novelty · figurine · souvenir · keepsake · memento · charm · token · collectible
gizmo
Nameless mechanical device
- widgetUnspecified small device
- contraptionImprovised or odd mechanism
- deviceConstructed tool or machine
thingamajig · whatchamacallit · thingummy · mechanism · apparatus · implement · tool · appliance · instrument · gear
quirky
Idiosyncratically unusual
kooky · novelty · charming · eccentric · amusing · frivolous · lighthearted · impish · jaunty · curious
embellishment
Decorative addition or exaggeration
frill · accent · trimming · garnish · frippery · festoon · filigree · finery · enhancement · appliqué
- thingsthing, object, item, stuff, article
- curioscurios, curio, curiosities, curiosity, knickknacks
- placeholder wordsthingy, whatchamacallit, thingamabob, whatsit, thingummy
- thingamajigsthingamajig, thingamabob, whatchamacallit, gizmo, thingy
- trinketstrinket, trinket box, knickknack, bauble, gewgaw
- vague wordssomething, someone, somewhere, sometime, somehow