What is the origin of word whatchamacallit?

"Whatchamacallit" is a combination of "what" and "you call it," meaning "that thing, you know, the one you call... well, what do you call it?" It's a filler word used to express a temporary inability to recall a specific word or name.

Origin:

The word "whatchamacallit" is a colloquialism, meaning it originated in everyday speech rather than formal writing.

* "What" and "you call it": Both parts are common English words.

* Combining words: The combination of these phrases into a single word is likely a product of informal speech, where people naturally shorten and blend words for ease of use.

History:

While the exact origin of "whatchamacallit" is unclear, it's been around for centuries. Early written examples can be found in the 17th century, and its use has continued throughout the English-speaking world.

Similar words:

* Thingamajig

* Doohickey

* Whatsisname

* Whatzit

All of these words are colloquialisms used to refer to something whose name the speaker can't remember at the moment.