thingamajig
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thingamajig
A colloquial filler word used as a placeholder for a noun (a person or a thing) whose name you cannot think of at the moment or do not want to mention.
Gib mir mal bitte das Dings da drüben, ich komme nicht dran.
Please hand me that thingamajig over there; I can't reach it.
'Dings' (thingamajig) is a very colloquial word. It is used in informal conversation with friends or family, but not in formal situations or written correspondence.
Wo ist denn dieses Dings zum Umschalten?
Where is that thingamajig for changing the channel?
As a placeholder for a thing, 'Dings' (thingamajig) is often combined with 'da' (there) or 'dort' (over there) to point to the object meant. It is usually used when you cannot think of the correct name.
Kannst du mir mal das Dings da auf dem Tisch geben?
Can you hand me that thingamajig there on the table?
'Dings' (thingamajig) can also be used as a placeholder for a person's name. Sometimes it is also used like a surname, for example 'Herr Dings' (Mr. Thingamajig) or 'Frau Dings' (Ms. Thingamajig).
Gestern habe ich doch diesen Dings getroffen, du weißt schon, unseren alten Nachbarn.
Yesterday I ran into that thingamajig, you know, our old neighbor.
thing / matter
'die Sache' and 'das Dings' can both stand for an object when you do not name it precisely. 'Sache' is neutral and fits in many normal situations. 'Dings' is colloquial and is used mainly when you cannot think of the right name at that moment or do not want to say it. That is why learners may confuse the words. If you are simply talking generally about a thing, 'Sache' is usually more natural. If you are searching for the word and have forgotten the name, 'Dings' sounds appropriate.
Gib mir bitte das Dings aus der Schublade, mir fällt der Name gerade nicht ein.
Please give me the thingamajig from the drawer; I can't think of its name right now.
Auf dem Tisch liegt eine kleine Sache, die ich nicht kenne.
There is a small thing on the table that I don't recognize.