thingy
word
/ˈθɪŋi/
THING-ee
/θˈɪŋi/
THING-ee
Definition
A very informal word used when you forget or don't know the name of an object, similar to 'thing' or 'whatchamacallit'.
Usage & Nuances
Very informal and mainly used in speech, often when you're searching for a word or feeling playful. Used for both objects and sometimes people (light-heartedly). Not suitable for formal or written contexts.
Spanish: cosita - cosa esaPortuguese (BR): coisinha - trecoPortuguese (PT): coisinha - coisaChinese (Simplified): 那个东西 - 小玩意儿Chinese (Traditional): 那個東西 - 小玩意兒Hindi: चीज़-वेज़ - चीज़Arabic: شغلة - حاجة (غير محددة)Bengali: জিনিসটা - ওইটা - কী জানি (informal)Russian: штуковина - фиговина - штука (разг.)Japanese: アレ - 例のやつVietnamese: cái gì đó - cái đồ đóKorean: 그거 - 뭐시기 - 뭐더라Turkish: şey - zımbırtı - ıvır zıvırUrdu: چیز (غیر رسمی) - وہی چیزIndonesian: benda itu - barang itu - apa itu
Example Sentences
Just push the little thingy on the side to turn it on.
natural
My phone isn't working. Did you mess with the thingy on top?
natural
He always calls remote controls those clicker thingies.
natural
Can you pass me that thingy on the table?
basic
I can't find the thingy that opens the bottle.
basic
Do you know where the thingy is?
basic