A 'whatsit' is a generic term used to refer to an object or thing whose specific name is unknown, forgotten, or simply not important in the context. It often suggests a degree of vagueness or a lack of precision in describing something. It can be used when the speaker doesn't know the correct name, doesn't want to be specific, or considers the exact identification irrelevant to the conversation. The term can apply to a physical object, a concept, a situation, or even a person whose name has escaped the speaker’s memory.
Whatsit meaning with examples
- "Could you hand me that whatsit over there on the table? You know, the thing with the red handle." The person knew what they wanted, though not its proper name. It was a quick, descriptive reference that was easy for the listener to process in this setting.
- During the science project, we needed to connect the whatsit to the doohickey to get the experiment to work properly. Precise terminology wasn't needed as the components could easily be identified and used without the official names.
- "I saw him yesterday, the whatsit from down the street, walking his dog." This use implies the speaker is aware of the person, but doesn't remember the name at that moment, and the identity of the person being spoken about is not very important to the speaker.
- "The whatsit about the company's merger has been all over the news." The exact details might be complex or changing. However, to say "whatsit" suggests a topic and the speaker's intent to provide a simple summary for now.
Whatsit Crossword Answers
6 Letters
DOODAH