whatsis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Casual
Quick answer
What does “whatsis” mean?
A placeholder term used when one cannot remember or does not know the name of a thing or person.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A placeholder term used when one cannot remember or does not know the name of a thing or person.
A generic, vague, or unspecified object; something whose specific name is not recalled or deemed unimportant.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British English more commonly uses "whatsit" or "thingy." "Whatsis" is less frequent but understood. In American English, "whatchamacallit," "thingamajig," or "doohickey" are more prevalent, with "whatsis" being somewhat dated or regionally varied.
Connotations
In both, it suggests informal speech. May carry a slightly old-fashioned or quaint connotation.
Frequency
Rare in formal contexts in both varieties; slightly more likely in US but overshadowed by synonyms.
Grammar
How to Use “whatsis” in a Sentence
[Verb] + the + whatsis[Determiner] + (adjective) + whatsisVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Very rare. Might be used humorously in informal meetings: 'Can you get the report from... oh, whatsis in marketing?'
Academic
Extremely rare; avoided.
Everyday
Primary domain. Used in domestic or casual settings when a name is momentarily forgotten.
Technical
Avoided. Precise terminology is required.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “whatsis”
- Using 'whatsis' in formal writing.
- Attempting to pluralize as 'whatsises' (though sometimes used, 'whatsis' often remains unchanged in plural contexts: 'Hand me those whatsises/whatsis').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is an informal, non-standard placeholder word. It is acceptable in casual speech but not in formal writing.
They are essentially interchangeable. 'Whatsit' is arguably more common in British English, while 'whatsis' might be heard in both varieties but is less frequent.
Yes, though less common. It can be used dismissively or when forgetting a name: 'Tell whatsis from accounting to come in.'
It is often treated as uncountable or its form remains 'whatsis' in plural contexts (e.g., 'all these whatsis'). 'Whatsises' is sometimes used but sounds awkward.
A placeholder term used when one cannot remember or does not know the name of a thing or person.
Whatsis is usually informal, casual in register.
Whatsis: in British English it is pronounced /ˈwɒtsɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈwʌtsɪs/ | /ˈwɑtsɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “and whatsis: used to imply other unspecified similar things (e.g., 'all the gadgets and whatsises').”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: "WHAT'S IS that called?" shortened to WHATSIS.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNKNOWN OBJECT IS A PLACEHOLDER.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'whatsis' be LEAST appropriate?