noun
dingus
DING-gus/dˈɪŋɡɪs/
An object whose name is unknown, forgotten, or unimportant.
She uses the little dingus to remove the cherry pits.
Etymology
Dutch dinges means “thing.” In English slang, that general label serves as a substitute for an object's name when the speaker cannot recall it or chooses not to supply it.
More examples
- He could not remember what the plastic dingus was called.
- The dingus clips onto the edge of the shelf.
- She found the missing dingus in the drawer.
Forms
dingus · dinguses
Similar words
- gadget
- Gadget names a small useful device; dingus is an informal placeholder when its name is unknown or forgotten.
- thingamajig
- Thingamajig is another informal placeholder for an object whose name the speaker cannot recall.