whatchamacallit

Definition

A metasyntactic term used for any object whose actual name the speaker does not know or cannot remember; a doodad, gizmo, thingamajig, thingy.

Etymology

Clipping of what-you-may-call-it. United States, 20th century (recorded in 1921).

Example Sentences

• "The Thingamajig and the Wachamacallit."
• "You’re—you must be the whatchamacallit, huh? The peer."
• "JESSICA: How many times do I have to say it? We were not stealing, Officer. We were just— / MONAHAN: I know. Performing some kind of whatchamacallit deed. Anyhow, they go to the clink, that's what happens to people who filch city property."