Thingamybobs

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Placeholder names for objects whose actual names are forgotten or unknown ; nonspecific terms used to refer casually to miscellaneous items ; generic labels applied to gadgets or items when precise language is unnecessary
2. Informal words used when the correct name for devices, tools, or items cannot be recalled or isn't known ; vague references to objects of indeterminate identity ; colloquial expressions for various odds and ends
3. Terms for objects whose real names are elusive or deemed irrelevant ; used casually to indicate miscellaneous, often minor, items ; catch-all labels for sundry things whose details are not important

Etymology: The word is built from "thingamy," a shortened, playful form of "thingummy," and "bob," a word of uncertain origin that English has used for small, dangling or nonspecific items. Stacking the two gives a compound that sounds like a name without naming anything. Because the plural simply adds "-s" to "thingamybob," the same vague reference can cover a whole collection of unnamed gadgets at once, which is why the form is used so readily in casual speech.

Synonyms: thingamajigs, whatchamacallits, gadgets, doohickeys, widgets