whachamacallit: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Informal, Colloquial, Conversational
Quick answer
What does “whachamacallit” mean?
A placeholder name for an object whose specific name is unknown or temporarily forgotten.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A placeholder name for an object whose specific name is unknown or temporarily forgotten.
A colloquial term used to refer to a generic or unspecified thing, gadget, or person, often with a sense of playful vagueness or mild frustration.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the alternative 'thingummyjig', 'whatsit', or 'thingamajig' is more common. 'Whachamacallit' is an Americanism but is understood in the UK due to media exposure.
Connotations
In American usage, it has a folksy, slightly humorous, down-to-earth connotation. In British usage, it may sound distinctly American and less native.
Frequency
High frequency in informal American speech; low to moderate frequency in British English, often used consciously for its American flavour.
Grammar
How to Use “whachamacallit” in a Sentence
[Verb] the whachamacallit[Preposition] the whachamacallit[Demonstrative] whachamacallitVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly inappropriate in formal business contexts. Might be used jokingly in very casual internal communication.
Academic
Not used in academic writing. Possibly used in informal speech among colleagues.
Everyday
Common in casual conversation when forgetting a word.
Technical
Avoided in technical documentation but used in verbal troubleshooting when the correct part name is unknown.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “whachamacallit”
- Misspelling as 'whatchamacallit', 'watchamacallit', or 'whatyamacallit'.
- Using it in formal writing.
- Overusing it, which can make speech sound vague or uneducated.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is recognized as a standard informal noun in major dictionaries, though it is not used in formal contexts.
Both 'whachamacallit' and 'whatchamacallit' are accepted, with the former being a common phonetic representation and the latter reflecting its origin ('what you may call it'). Dictionaries often list 'whatchamacallit' as the headword.
Yes, but less commonly. It can be used humorously or dismissively for a person whose name you've forgotten (e.g., 'Tell what's-his-name, Mr. Whachamacallit, that I'll call him back.').
Yes, common British equivalents include 'thingummyjig', 'whatsit', 'thingy', and 'oojamaflip' (very informal).
A placeholder name for an object whose specific name is unknown or temporarily forgotten.
Whachamacallit is usually informal, colloquial, conversational in register.
Whachamacallit: in British English it is pronounced /ˈwɒtʃəməˌkɔːlɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈwʌtʃəməˌkɔlɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Pass the whatchamacallit”
- “It's one of those whatchamacallits”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'What you might call it' smashed together -> 'whachamacallit'. It's for when you're trying to recall 'what' to 'call it'.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE IS A TOOL (a broken or missing tool requires a temporary replacement).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would using 'whachamacallit' be MOST appropriate?