whatsis
That nameless thing
Whatsis is informal for a thing whose name you can't recall or don't know: Hand me that whatsis over there.
It serves as a placeholder noun when the actual word escapes you, similar to thingamajig or whatchamacallit.
Sometimes extended to people: Tell whatsis to call me back.
Unnamed object placeholder
- doohickeyPlaceholder word for objects
- gizmoNameless mechanical device
- doodadUnnamed small object
- widgetUnspecified small device
thingummy · gadget · contraption · whatsit · thingy · so-and-so · such-and-such · whatshisname
Constructed tool or machine
apparatus · mechanism · instrument · contraption · accessory · utensil · equipment · hardware
thingamabob
Unnamed object placeholder
widget · thingummy · gadget · contraption · whatsit · thingy · so-and-so · such-and-such · whatshisname · whatshername
device
Constructed tool or machine
implement · apparatus · mechanism · instrument · contraption · accessory · utensil · equipment · hardware · appliance
gewgaw
Cheap showy ornament
- knickknackSmall decorative object
- trinketSmall worthless ornament
- baubleShowy, worthless ornament
tchotchke · bibelot · novelty · curio · gimcrack · fandangle · bric-a-brac · geegaw · ornament · trifle
- thingamabobsthingies, doodads, doohickeys, whatsits, dingus
- thingamajigsthingamabob, doohickey, doodad, gizmo, thingy
- placeholdersplaceholder, bar, blank, dummy, filler
whatsisproper noun
Named person or place
technical term · defined term · official name · known quantity · definite article