thingamabob: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
IntermediateInformal, colloquial
Quick answer
What does “thingamabob” mean?
A placeholder name for a person or thing whose name one cannot recall, does not know, or does not wish to mention.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A placeholder name for a person or thing whose name one cannot recall, does not know, or does not wish to mention; a gadget.
Often used humorously or dismissively to refer to an object or device, especially a small, complex, or unfamiliar one. Can also be used for a person whose name is momentarily forgotten.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. 'Thingamabob' is used in both varieties, but other informal synonyms may be more common in one region (e.g., 'thingummy' in UK, 'thingamajig' in US).
Connotations
Slightly old-fashioned but still understood. Often used by older speakers or humorously.
Frequency
Low frequency in formal contexts. Comparable in usage to 'whatchamacallit', 'doohickey', or 'thingy'.
Grammar
How to Use “thingamabob” in a Sentence
Pass me the [thingamabob].You use the [thingamabob] to tighten it.Where did I put that little [thingamabob]?Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare; would be used only in very informal, joking conversation.
Academic
Never used.
Everyday
Common in casual, spoken English when the name of a common object is forgotten.
Technical
Not used for precise reference; might be used jokingly when a non-technical person refers to a technical component.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “thingamabob”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “thingamabob”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “thingamabob”
- Spelling: 'thingimabob', 'thingymabob'.
- Using it in formal writing.
- Overusing it instead of learning the actual name of an object.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a recognized informal noun in major dictionaries, used as a placeholder name.
They are near-synonyms. Choice is largely a matter of personal or regional habit, with 'thingy' and 'whatsit' being very common in the UK, and 'thingamajig' and 'doohickey' in the US.
Yes, though less commonly. It can humorously refer to a person whose name you've forgotten (e.g., 'Old thingamabob from accounting').
It is informal and slightly dismissive if used directly to their face. It's generally safer and more common to use it for objects.
A placeholder name for a person or thing whose name one cannot recall, does not know, or does not wish to mention.
Thingamabob is usually informal, colloquial in register.
Thingamabob: in British English it is pronounced ˈθɪŋəməbɒb, and in American English it is pronounced ˈθɪŋəməˌbɑːb. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “All the thingamabobs and whatsits (meaning: an assortment of miscellaneous small objects).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: "I need the THING? Ah! Ma BOB (the builder) has it!" to remember it's a placeholder for a forgotten object.
Conceptual Metaphor
AN UNKNOWN OBJECT IS A NONSPECIFIC PERSON (Bob).
Practice
Quiz
In which situation would 'thingamabob' be MOST appropriate?