How Do You Spell WHATSITS?

Pronunciation: [wˈɒtsɪts] (IPA)

The word "whatsits" is a colloquial term used to refer to a thing whose name one cannot recall or does not know. Its spelling is derived from the phrase "what is it" and is spelled as /wɒtsɪts/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "wh" cluster in the word is pronounced as /w/, followed by the vowel sound /ɒ/. The suffix "-sits" is pronounced as /sɪts/. The word is commonly used in informal conversations and is synonymous with terms like thingamajig, doohickey, and widget.

WHATSITS Meaning and Definition

1. Whatsits, also known as "whatchamacallits" or "thingamajigs," are words used to describe an object or item when one does not know or forgets its specific name or term. They are essentially placeholder words used for something whose name is temporarily unknown, uncertain, unimportant, or irrelevant to the conversation.

   The term "whatsits" is often employed in spoken language, informal conversations, or casual settings, where the speaker may struggle to retrieve the precise or accurate term for an object. It serves as a generic placeholder or a reference to an unspecified thing.

   As a noun, "whatsits" can refer to both tangible and intangible items. For instance, it can represent a physical object, like a gadget, tool, or machine part, whose name is insignificant in the context. It can also refer to non-physical things, such as an unknown or unspecified concept, information, or idea.

   The word "whatsits" has a flexible and versatile nature, allowing it to adapt to a wide range of linguistic contexts and conversations. Its usage enables individuals to communicate their thoughts effectively without dwelling on or getting sidetracked by the precise names or terminologies of objects or ideas, thus providing a sense of convenience, informality, and ease in communication.

Common Misspellings for WHATSITS

• whatnits
• whadsits
• whatswuts
• walsits
• whazzits

Etymology of WHATSITS

The word "whatsits" is derived from the phrase "what's it" which is a contraction of "what is it". The term "whatsits" is primarily used as a placeholder or a colloquial expression to refer to something when the name or exact description is not known or forgotten. It is similar to other terms such as "thingamajig" or "whatchamacallit". The etymology of "whatsits" can be traced to the Middle English word "what" (meaning "what") and the Old English word "it" (meaning "it"). Over time, the contraction "what's it" transformed into the contracted form "whatsits".