Cette page dans ta langue

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 Noun #9 le plus courant 8 min de lecture

thingy

Top 9

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces thingy en 30 secondes

Explication thingy in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'thingy' is a very helpful word because you are still learning the basic names for everything. If you do not know the word for 'pen' or 'book,' you can point and say 'that thingy.' It helps you communicate even when you don't have many words. However, teachers usually want you to learn the real names first. You should use it as a 'emergency' word when you are stuck. It is a simple way to keep talking without stopping to look in a dictionary. Remember, 'thingy' is for things, not people. You cannot call your teacher a 'thingy'! It is best used with your hands to point at what you want. For example, if you want a toy, you can say 'Please, the thingy!' while pointing at the toy. This is a natural way for beginners to start using English in real life situations.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

For A2 learners, 'thingy' becomes a tool to help you speak more fluently. At this level, you know many common nouns, but you might forget them when you are nervous. Using 'thingy' allows you to maintain the rhythm of your sentence. You can start adding adjectives to it, like 'the small thingy' or 'the red thingy.' This shows you are beginning to describe objects. It is very common in daily life, like when you are shopping or cooking with friends. If you are in a shop and see something you like but don't know the name, you can ask the shop assistant, 'How much is that thingy?' while pointing. It makes your English sound more natural and less like a textbook. Just be careful not to use it for everything, or people might think you aren't trying to learn new words.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the B1 level, you should understand that 'thingy' is an informal word used when you have a 'mental block.' It is a strategic way to manage your communication. Instead of saying 'um' or 'uh' for a long time, you can use 'thingy' to keep the conversation going. You should also be aware of the context. B1 learners should know that 'thingy' is perfect for a casual chat with a friend but should be avoided in a formal letter or an exam. You can use it to describe parts of things, like 'the thingy on the side of the box.' This level is about balance—knowing the right word but having 'thingy' as a backup plan. It shows you are comfortable enough with English to use informal 'slang-like' placeholders correctly.

B2 learners should use 'thingy' with an understanding of its social nuances. At this level, you are expected to have a large vocabulary, so using 'thingy' is often a choice to sound more relaxed or to signal that the specific name of an object isn't important for the conversation. For example, if you are telling a story, you might say, 'So I picked up this plastic thingy and...' to keep the focus on the action rather than the object. You should also recognize that 'thingy' is part of a family of words like 'thingamajig' and 'whatchamacallit.' A B2 student can use these to add variety to their informal speech. You should also be able to explain what a 'thingy' is if someone asks, using more formal terms like 'placeholder' or 'unspecified object.'

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the C1 level, you are exploring the pragmatic functions of 'thingy.' You might use it to create a specific tone, such as being humble, humorous, or deliberately vague. C1 speakers use 'thingy' to signal that they are in an informal setting and want their listeners to feel at ease. It can also be used to dismiss the importance of an object—by calling it a 'thingy,' you are implying that its specific identity doesn't matter much in the grand scheme of things. You should be able to use it seamlessly in rapid, native-like conversation. You also understand that 'thingy' can sometimes be used for abstract concepts in very specific, highly informal contexts, though this is rare. Your mastery of the word is shown by your ability to switch back to precise, technical language the moment the context becomes more formal.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

For C2 speakers, 'thingy' is a tool for linguistic play and social bonding. You understand the subtle differences between 'thingy,' 'thingamabob,' and 'doohickey' and can choose the one that best fits the regional dialect or the specific 'vibe' of the conversation. You might use 'thingy' ironically or to mimic a certain character type. At this level, your use of the word is indistinguishable from a native speaker's. You know exactly when it adds to the conversation and when it would be a distraction. You can also analyze its use in literature and media, understanding how authors use it to build character or create a sense of realism. Your use of 'thingy' is a sign of complete comfort and fluency in the informal registers of the English language.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

thingy en 30 secondes

An informal placeholder noun used when the specific name of an object is forgotten or unknown.
Primarily used in casual, spoken English to maintain the flow of conversation without searching for precise terms.
Functions best when the listener has visual context or the object is being physically handled.
Commonly paired with adjectives or prepositional phrases to provide more detail about the unidentified object.

The word thingy is a quintessential example of a placeholder name in the English language. It serves as a linguistic bridge when a speaker experiences a momentary lapse in memory or lacks the specific vocabulary to identify an object. In the realm of linguistics, this is often referred to as a 'dummy noun' or a 'placeholder.' It is almost exclusively used in informal, spoken contexts where the speed of communication is prioritized over precision. When you are in the middle of a sentence and suddenly realize you cannot remember the word for 'remote control' or 'stapler,' the word thingy allows you to continue your thought without a disruptive pause. It relies heavily on the context of the situation; usually, the speaker is pointing at the object or the listener can easily infer what is being discussed based on the current activity.

Functional Category: Placeholder Noun / Informal Substitute
Social Context: Used among friends, family, and close colleagues to maintain conversational flow.
Linguistic Purpose: To prevent cognitive overload during speech and avoid awkward silences.

While it might seem like a sign of a limited vocabulary, even highly articulate native speakers use thingy frequently. It is a tool for efficiency. For instance, if you are fixing a car and need a specific small component whose technical name is 'gasket' but you are focused on the task, you might simply ask your assistant to 'hand me that rubber thingy.' This usage is deeply embedded in the pragmatic side of English, where the goal is successful communication rather than academic perfection.

Could you pass me that thingy on the counter? You know, the one for opening jars.

I need to find the thingy that connects the computer to the monitor.

The term is also highly versatile in its physical application. It can refer to something as small as a screw or as large as a piece of machinery. However, it is rarely used for people or abstract concepts. It is almost always a physical, tangible object. In British English, you might also hear 'thingummy' or 'thingamajig,' which serve the exact same purpose but carry a slightly different regional flavor. The suffix '-y' adds a layer of diminutiveness and informality, making the word feel friendly and unpretentious.

There is a little plastic thingy stuck in the vacuum cleaner.

He was wearing a strange thingy on his hat that looked like a feather.

I can't find the thingy that goes on top of the blender.

Using thingy correctly involves understanding its role as a noun substitute. It typically follows a determiner like 'the,' 'that,' or 'a.' Because it is a placeholder, it is often accompanied by a descriptive phrase to help the listener identify the object. For example, 'the blue thingy' or 'the thingy for the door.' This combination of a vague noun and a specific descriptor is the most common way the word appears in natural speech.

Common Pattern 1: [Determiner] + [Adjective] + thingy (e.g., 'that metal thingy')
Common Pattern 2: [Determiner] + thingy + [Prepositional Phrase] (e.g., 'the thingy on the table')

In many cases, thingy is used when the speaker is physically interacting with an object. If you are holding a complex piece of IKEA furniture and you have one screw left over, you might say, 'Where does this extra thingy go?' Here, the word 'this' and the physical presence of the screw make the meaning perfectly clear. It is also used when describing a part of a larger machine or system where the specific technical term is unknown. 'The thingy that makes the noise' is a perfectly valid way to describe a faulty fan or a loose belt in a car engine during a casual conversation with a mechanic.

Just press that red thingy to start the machine.

I need a thingy to keep my hair out of my eyes.

It is important to note that thingy is almost never used in formal writing. You would not find it in a legal contract, a scientific paper, or a news report, unless the writer is quoting someone's speech. In writing, you should always strive to find the exact name of the object. However, in creative writing, authors use thingy to make dialogue sound more realistic and to reflect the way people actually talk when they are distracted or stressed.

She was fiddling with a small silver thingy on her keychain.

Do you have the thingy that measures the temperature?

You will hear thingy in almost every corner of the English-speaking world, from suburban kitchens to high-tech workshops. It is a staple of domestic life. Parents use it when asking children to pick up toys ('Put that plastic thingy away'), and spouses use it when collaborating on household chores ('Where did you put the thingy for the vacuum?'). It is a word of convenience that thrives in environments where people are comfortable with one another.

In the Kitchen: 'Where is the thingy for peeling potatoes?'
In the Garage: 'I need that metal thingy to tighten the bolt.'
In the Office: 'Can I borrow the thingy that removes staples?'

In popular culture, thingy is often used for comedic effect. Characters who are portrayed as absent-minded or technologically illiterate will use the word to show their lack of specific knowledge. For example, a character might try to explain how a computer works by saying, 'You just plug the thingy into the other thingy and then the screen lights up.' This highlights the gap between technical complexity and everyday language. It is also common in children's television, as it mirrors the way children often speak when they are still learning the names of the objects in their world.

In the movie, the scientist pointed to a glowing thingy and said it would save the world.

The comedian joked about how his dad calls every electronic device a 'computer thingy'.

The most common mistake learners make with thingy is using it in the wrong register. Because it is so informal, using it in a job interview or a formal presentation can make you sound unprofessional or as if you lack the necessary vocabulary for your field. For example, saying 'I am very good at using the software thingy' in an interview for a software engineering position would be a significant error. In such cases, you should always use the specific name of the tool or software.

Another mistake is using thingy when the listener has no context. If you walk into a room and say, 'I lost the thingy,' without any prior conversation or physical cues, your listener will be completely confused. Thingy requires a shared context to be effective. It is a 'deictic' word, meaning its meaning depends on the situation in which it is used. Without that situation, the word is meaningless.

Incorrect: 'The thingy is broken.' (Without pointing or previous context)

Correct: 'The thingy on the radiator is leaking.' (Providing a location helps the listener)

English has a rich variety of placeholder words, each with its own subtle nuance. Understanding the differences between thingy and its alternatives can help you sound more like a native speaker. While they all serve the same basic purpose, some are more common in certain regions or for certain types of objects.

Thingamajig / Thingamabob: These are longer, more playful versions of 'thingy.' They are often used for mechanical or complex objects.
Whatchamacallit: A contraction of 'what you may call it.' It is used when you are actively trying to remember the name but failing.
Doohickey / Gizmo: These terms are specifically used for small mechanical or electronic gadgets.

Choosing between these depends on your personal style and the level of playfulness you want to convey. Thingy is the most neutral and common of the group. If you want to sound a bit more old-fashioned or whimsical, you might choose 'thingamabob.' If you are talking about a small, clever tool, 'gizmo' is a great choice. In more formal or professional settings, instead of using a placeholder, you should use generic but precise terms like 'component,' 'device,' 'object,' or 'item.'

'Pass me that thingamajig,' he said, pointing to the wrench.

This new kitchen gizmo makes peeling garlic so much easier.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The suffix '-y' is often used in English to make words sound more 'cutesy' or informal, which is why 'thingy' feels so much friendlier than just saying 'thing'.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈθɪŋ.i/

US /ˈθɪŋ.i/

The stress is on the first syllable: THING-y.

Rime avec

stingy (sometimes) clingy springy wingy zingy dingy (though 'dingy' often has a 'j' sound) stringy ringy

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'g' separately (thin-gy). It should be a nasal 'ng' sound.
Using a voiced 'th' (like 'this'). It should be unvoiced (like 'think').
Making the 'i' sound too long (theengy).
Stress on the second syllable (thing-EE).
Dropping the 'ng' sound (thiny).

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Very easy to read and understand in context.

Écriture 4/5

Easy to spell, but hard to know when it is appropriate to use.

Expression orale 1/5

Extremely useful and easy for learners to use in conversation.

Écoute 2/5

Easy to hear, but requires context to know what is being discussed.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

thing object name forget this/that

Apprends ensuite

thingamajig whatchamacallit gadget device component

Avancé

placeholder deictic colloquialism lexical gap nominalization

Grammaire à connaître

Nouns as Placeholders

Using 'thingy' to replace a specific noun.

Countable Noun Plurals

One thingy, two thingies.

Adjective Placement

The 'blue' thingy (Adjective before noun).

Deictic Expressions

'That' thingy (Meaning depends on pointing).

Informal Suffixes

Adding '-y' to 'thing' to change the register.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

Exemples par niveau

Give me that thingy, please.

Give me that object, please.

Use 'that' before 'thingy' to point.

What is this thingy?

What is this object?

Question form with 'this'.

I like the blue thingy.

I like the blue object.

Adjective 'blue' before 'thingy'.

The thingy is on the table.

The object is on the table.

Subject of the sentence.

Is that your thingy?

Is that your object?

Possessive 'your' before 'thingy'.

Look at that big thingy!

Look at that big object!

Exclamatory sentence.

I have a thingy in my bag.

I have an object in my bag.

Indefinite article 'a'.

Put the thingy here.

Put the object here.

Imperative sentence.

I need the thingy for the door.

I need the key or handle for the door.

Prepositional phrase 'for the door'.

Can you see the small thingy?

Can you see the small object?

Question with 'can'.

He lost the thingy for his phone.

He lost the charger or case for his phone.

Possessive 'his' and preposition 'for'.

There is a thingy on your shirt.

There is an object/stain on your shirt.

There is construction.

Don't touch that hot thingy!

Don't touch that hot object!

Negative imperative.

She bought a new thingy for the kitchen.

She bought a new tool for the kitchen.

Past simple 'bought'.

Where is the thingy that opens bottles?

Where is the bottle opener?

Relative clause 'that opens bottles'.

I found this thingy in the garden.

I found this object in the garden.

Past simple 'found'.

I can't remember the name of that thingy.

I forgot the name of that object.

Modal 'can't' and 'remember'.

It's a little plastic thingy that goes inside.

It is a small plastic component for the interior.

Descriptive adjectives and relative clause.

You know, the thingy we used yesterday.

The object we used yesterday.

Elliptical relative clause (that/which omitted).

Just use that thingy to tighten the screw.

Use that tool to tighten the screw.

Infinitive of purpose 'to tighten'.

There's a weird thingy growing on the tree.

There is a strange growth on the tree.

Present continuous 'growing'.

I think I need a new thingy for my computer.

I need a new accessory for my computer.

Verb 'think' expressing opinion.

Could you pass me the thingy over there?

Could you hand me that object?

Polite request with 'could'.

The thingy is broken, so we need a new one.

The object is broken, so we need a replacement.

Conjunction 'so' for result.

It's just a little thingy I picked up at the market.

It is just a small item I bought at the market.

Relative clause with 'picked up'.

I'm not sure what that thingy is actually for.

I don't know the purpose of that object.

Indirect question 'what that thingy is'.

The thingy on the dashboard started flashing red.

The indicator on the dashboard started flashing.

Past continuous 'started flashing'.

He's always fiddling with some electronic thingy.

He is always playing with some electronic device.

Present continuous for habitual behavior.

Is that the thingy you were telling me about?

Is that the object you mentioned before?

Past continuous in relative clause.

I need a thingy to help me reach the top shelf.

I need a tool or stool to reach the high shelf.

Infinitive of purpose.

There's a little thingy stuck in the lock.

There is a small object jammed in the lock.

Past participle 'stuck' as adjective.

I've lost the thingy that holds the battery in place.

I lost the battery cover or clip.

Present perfect 'I've lost'.

The whole system relies on this one tiny thingy.

The entire system depends on this one small component.

Emphasis with 'whole' and 'one tiny'.

I don't want to get bogged down in the technical thingies.

I don't want to focus too much on the technical details.

Phrasal verb 'bogged down' and plural 'thingies'.

It's a sort of thingy that helps with the alignment.

It is a type of device that assists with alignment.

Hedging with 'a sort of'.

He described it as a 'digital thingy' for managing tasks.

He called it a digital tool for task management.

Reported speech with 'described it as'.

The thingy, for lack of a better word, is essential.

The object, because I can't think of a better name, is vital.

Parenthetical expression 'for lack of a better word'.

I'm looking for the thingy that attaches to the tripod.

I am searching for the tripod mount/adapter.

Present continuous 'looking for'.

There's a thingy in the contract that I don't quite understand.

There is a clause or detail in the contract that is unclear.

Abstract use of 'thingy' for a 'clause'.

She has this thingy about always being on time.

She has a specific habit or obsession with punctuality.

Idiomatic use of 'has a thingy about' (habit).

The narrative is punctuated by these little symbolic thingies.

The story is marked by small symbolic elements.

Passive voice 'is punctuated' and plural 'thingies'.

It's just another bureaucratic thingy we have to deal with.

It is just another administrative hurdle we must face.

Adjective 'bureaucratic' modifying 'thingy'.

The device features a small thingy that regulates the flow.

The apparatus includes a component that controls the flow.

Formal verb 'features' contrasted with 'thingy'.

I've forgotten the name of that thingy—you know, the epistemological one.

I forgot the name of that philosophical concept.

Juxtaposition of high-level 'epistemological' and low-level 'thingy'.

The thingy in question is actually a rare 18th-century artifact.

The object being discussed is a rare historical item.

Formal phrase 'in question'.

He's got this thingy where he can't stand the sound of chewing.

He has a specific condition or quirk regarding chewing sounds.

Relative clause 'where he can't stand'.

We need to fix the thingy that's causing the interference.

We must repair the component causing the signal disruption.

Causative relative clause.

The thingy—or 'widget' as the developers call it—is ready.

The component, or 'widget,' is prepared for use.

Apposition with 'or'.

Synonymes

thingamajig whatsit doohickey whatchamacallit gizmo object item gadget

Antonymes

proper name specific term concept person

Collocations courantes

little thingy

plastic thingy

metal thingy

blue thingy

thingy over there

pointy thingy

broken thingy

extra thingy

round thingy

electronic thingy

Phrases Courantes

the thingy for the...

— Used to describe an object's purpose when the name is forgotten.

Where is the thingy for the vacuum cleaner?

that thingy on the...

— Used to describe an object's location.

Pass me that thingy on the shelf.

a little thingy

— Used for small, often insignificant objects.

It's just a little thingy I found.

the thingy that...

— Used to start a relative clause describing the object's function.

I need the thingy that opens the wine.

one of those thingies

— Used when referring to a type of object the listener should recognize.

It's one of those thingies you use for camping.

this thingy here

— Used when holding or pointing closely at an object.

What does this thingy here do?

the red/blue/green thingy

— Using color to identify the placeholder.

Press the red thingy to stop.

the thingy in the...

— Identifying the object by its container or environment.

Check the thingy in the drawer.

the thingy with the...

— Identifying the object by one of its features.

The thingy with the long handle is best.

some sort of thingy

— Expressing uncertainty about what the object is.

It looks like some sort of thingy for gardening.

Souvent confondu avec

thingy vs Thing

'Thing' is more general; 'thingy' is more informal and specifically used as a placeholder.

thingy vs Think

A common pronunciation/spelling error for beginners.

thingy vs Dingy

Sounds similar but means dark, dirty, or shabby.

Expressions idiomatiques

"have a thingy about"

— To have a strong feeling, habit, or obsession regarding something.

She has a thingy about people being late.

Very Informal

"the whole thingy"

— The entire situation or process (informal use).

I'm tired of the whole thingy with the taxes.

Slangy

"do the thingy"

— To perform a specific action that is understood by context.

Can you do the thingy with the lights?

Informal

"that thingy whatsit"

— Doubling up placeholders for extra emphasis on forgetting.

Hand me that thingy whatsit, will you?

Informal

"little thingy-ma-jig"

— A playful combination of placeholder words.

It's a little thingy-ma-jig for the kitchen.

Informal

"thingy-bob"

— A variation of thingamabob, used playfully.

Where's the thingy-bob for the TV?

Informal

"the thingy-majingy"

— Another playful, rhythmic variation.

He's fixing the thingy-majingy on the bike.

Informal

"all the thingies"

— All the small details or components.

We need to check all the thingies before we leave.

Informal

"thingy-ish"

— Describing something that resembles a placeholder or is vague.

It's a bit thingy-ish, isn't it?

Informal

"not a thingy"

— Emphasizing that something is definitely not what it seems.

That's not a thingy, that's a serious tool!

Informal

Facile à confondre

thingy vs Thingamajig

Both are placeholders.

Thingamajig is longer and often used for more complex mechanical items.

He's using a thingamajig to fix the engine.

thingy vs Whatchamacallit

Both are placeholders.

Whatchamacallit is used specifically when you are trying to remember the name.

I need a... whatchamacallit... a stapler!

thingy vs Gadget

Both refer to objects.

A gadget is a real word for a small tool; thingy is a placeholder.

This is a cool kitchen gadget.

thingy vs Widget

Both can be placeholders.

Widget is often used in business or software contexts.

We need to sell 500 widgets this month.

thingy vs Doohickey

Both are placeholders.

Doohickey is more common in American English for small parts.

Where is that plastic doohickey?

Structures de phrases

That thingy.

I want that thingy.

The [adjective] thingy.

The small thingy is here.

The thingy for [verb-ing].

Where is the thingy for opening cans?

I can't remember the name of that thingy.

I can't remember the name of that thingy on the wall.

It's a sort of thingy that...

It's a sort of thingy that helps you sleep.

The thingy in question...

The thingy in question is actually quite expensive.

One of those thingies.

It's one of those thingies you see in the gym.

A thingy on the [noun].

There is a thingy on the table.

Famille de mots

Noms

thing

thingy

thingies (plural)

thingamajig

thingamabob

Verbes

thing (rare, informal: 'to thing something')

Adjectifs

thingy (can be used to describe something vague)

thing-like

Apparenté

something

anything

nothing

everything

whatchamacallit

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour voir tous les exemples

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high in spoken English; very low in written English.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'thingy' for a person in a formal setting. → Using the person's name or title.
Calling someone 'thingy' is very informal and can be seen as disrespectful in a professional environment.
Writing 'thingy' in a business email. → Using 'item', 'document', or 'file'.
Business communication requires precision. 'Thingy' is too vague and unprofessional for emails.
Using 'thingy' without any context or pointing. → Providing a description or location.
Without context, the listener has no way of knowing which 'thingy' you are talking about.
Confusing 'thingy' with 'think'. → Pronouncing the 'ng' sound correctly.
Learners often mispronounce 'thingy' as 'thinky', which can lead to confusion with the verb 'to think'.
Overusing 'thingy' in every sentence. → Using a variety of nouns.
If you use 'thingy' too much, it sounds like you aren't trying to learn English. Use it only when you truly forget a word.

Astuces

Use with Gestures

Always point or look at the object when you say 'thingy'. This helps the listener understand what you mean immediately.

Learn the Real Word

After you use the word 'thingy', try to find out the real name of the object. This will help you grow your vocabulary for next time.

Check the Room

Before using 'thingy', make sure you are in an informal setting. If you are at a fancy dinner or a meeting, try to use more precise words.

Add Adjectives

If you forget the name, give clues! Say 'the long thingy' or 'the metal thingy' to help your friend find what you need.

Don't Panic

If a native speaker says 'thingy' and you don't know what they mean, just ask: 'Which thingy?' They will usually point to it.

Be Playful

You can use 'thingy' to be funny. If you are talking about a very complicated machine, calling it a 'thingy' can make people laugh.

Dialogue Only

Keep 'thingy' for your characters' speech. It makes them sound like real people who forget things sometimes.

Try Variations

If you are in the UK, try 'thingummy'. If you are in the US, try 'doohickey'. It's fun to learn the regional versions!

Keep the Flow

The best part of 'thingy' is that you don't have to stop talking. Use it to keep your sentence moving and your confidence high.

The 'Y' Rule

Remember that the '-y' at the end makes it informal. It's like 'dog' becoming 'doggy'. It's a friendly version of the word 'thing'.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'thing' that is 'easy' to say. Thing + Easy = Thingy. When you can't find the hard word, use the easy one!

Association visuelle

Imagine a box with a giant question mark on it. That box is a 'thingy'. Whenever you see something you can't name, put a mental question mark on it.

Word Web

Object Placeholder Informal Forgotten Gadget Context Speech Substitute

Défi

Try to go through your kitchen and name 5 objects. If you forget one, call it a 'thingy' and then look up the real name.

Origine du mot

The word 'thingy' is a relatively modern formation, appearing in the mid-20th century. It combines the ancient Germanic word 'thing' with the diminutive or familiar suffix '-y'.

Sens originel : A small or familiar 'thing'.

Germanic (English)

Contexte culturel

Never use 'thingy' to refer to a person's physical disability or a sensitive cultural object, as it can seem dismissive.

Very common in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

The Little Mermaid (Ariel refers to a fork as a 'dinglehopper', which is a type of 'thingy'). Doctor Who (The Doctor often uses 'thingy' for complex alien technology). Wallace and Gromit (Wallace uses many 'thingies' in his inventions).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

DIY / Repairs

Hand me that thingy.
The thingy is loose.
I need a thingy to fix this.
Where does this thingy go?

Cooking

Where is the thingy for the eggs?
The thingy on the stove is hot.
I need that plastic thingy.
Is this the thingy for the blender?

Technology

Plug the thingy into the port.
The thingy on the screen is frozen.
I lost the thingy for my mouse.
What does this button thingy do?

Shopping

How much is that thingy?
I'm looking for a thingy for my garden.
Do you have those thingies for shoes?
I like that shiny thingy.

Daily Chores

Put the thingy in the bin.
Where is the thingy for the laundry?
The thingy is full.
Can you move that thingy?

Amorces de conversation

"Have you ever forgotten the name of something and just called it a 'thingy'?"

"What's the weirdest 'thingy' you have in your house right now?"

"Do you prefer the word 'thingy' or 'thingamajig'?"

"If you had to invent a new 'thingy' for the kitchen, what would it do?"

"Can you describe the 'thingy' you use most often at work?"

Sujets d'écriture

Write about a time you tried to explain something to someone but could only remember the word 'thingy'.

List five 'thingies' in your room and then try to find their actual names in a dictionary.

Why do you think humans use placeholder words like 'thingy' instead of just waiting to remember the right word?

Describe a complex machine (like a car or a computer) using only the word 'thingy' for its parts. How does it change the description?

Write a short dialogue between two people who are both using the word 'thingy' to describe different objects.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, it is a real word recognized by dictionaries like Oxford and Merriam-Webster, but it is classified as informal. You can use it in speech, but you should avoid it in formal writing.

In some British dialects, people say things like 'I saw thingy today,' meaning someone whose name they forgot. However, it is generally better to use 'whatshisname' or 'whatshername' for people to avoid sounding rude.

The singular is 'thingy' and the plural is 'thingies'. For example: 'Look at all those little thingies on the floor!'

Do not use it in job interviews, academic papers, legal documents, or when speaking to someone in a very high-status position unless the environment is very relaxed.

They are very similar. 'Thingy' is shorter and more common. 'Thingamajig' is a bit more playful and often used for mechanical objects.

It is spelled 'thingies'. You change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es', which is a common rule for English nouns ending in 'y'.

No, it is not rude. It is just very informal. Using it shows you are comfortable with the person you are talking to.

Only if you are writing a dialogue between two friends. In any other part of the exam, you should use the specific name of the object.

It is used in both, but it is slightly more common in British English. Americans might use 'thingamajig' or 'whatchamacallit' more frequently.

It is an idiom meaning to have a specific obsession or strong feeling about something. For example, 'He has a thingy about clean windows' means he is obsessed with having clean windows.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour les astuces et notes