Meaning & use
a thingamajig
Last updated
UK/ə ˈθɪŋəmədʒɪɡ/
US/ə ˈθɪŋəmədʒɪɡ/
Meaning
nouncountableinformal
An informal word for a small object or device whose name you do not know or cannot remember.
Grammar: Countable: a thingamajig, two thingamajigs.
Patterns
- a thingamajig for doing something
- pass me that thingamajig
Can you pass me that thingamajig on the shelf?
He used some thingamajig to open the box.
I need a thingamajig to fix this — maybe a small screwdriver.
Word forms
| plural | thingamajigs |
|---|
Common combinations
- that thingamajig
- What is that thingamajig on your desk?
- a little thingamajig
- She bought a little thingamajig for the kitchen.
- use a thingamajig
- You need to use a thingamajig to open it.
Synonyms and how they differ
- thingamabob
- Same informal meaning; 'thingamabob' is just as common in British and American speech.
- whatsit
- Similar informal word for something you cannot name; often used in British English.
- gadget
- A real device, often small and useful; 'thingamajig' shows you do not know its name.
Word family
- thing noun
- A general word for an object or idea.
Commonly confused: a thingamajig or thingamabob?
a thingamajig vs thingamabob
A close variant with the same meaning; both are informal and interchangeable.
Practice
When would you most naturally say 'thingamajig'?
Choose one answer.
'Thingamajig' is informal and used when the name of an object is unknown or forgotten. Formal situations call for a precise word.
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