thingy

[ Client Demonstration Rendering Frame ]

also :

thing |θɪŋ|
noun
1 an object that one need not, cannot, or does not wish to give a specific name to: look at that metal rail thing over there | there are lots of things I'd like to buy.
• (things) personal belongings or clothing: she began to unpack her things.
• (with adj. or noun modifierthings) equipment, utensils, or other objects used for a particular purpose: they cleared away the lunch things.
• [ with negative ] (a thing) anything (used for emphasis): she couldn't find a thing to wear.
• used to express one's disapproval of or contempt for something: you won't find me smoking those filthy things.
• [ with postpositive adj. ] (things) all that can be described in the specified way: his love for all things English.

2 an inanimate material object as distinct from a living sentient being: I'm not a thing, not a work of art to be cherished.
• [ with adj. ] a living creature or plant: the sea is the primal source of all living things on earth.
• [ with adj. ] used to express one's feelings of pity, affection, approval, or contempt for a person or animal: have a nice weekend in the country, you lucky thing! | the lamb was a puny little thing.

3 an action, event, thought, or utterance: she said the first thing that came into her head | the only thing I could do well was cook.
• (things) circumstances or matters that are unspecified: things haven't gone entirely to plan | how are things with you?
• an abstract entity, quality, or concept: mourning and depression are not the same thing | they had one thing in common—they were men of action.
• an example or type of something: the game is the latest thing in family fun.
• [ with adj. or noun modifier ] informal a situation or activity of a specified type or quality: your being here is just a friendship thing, OK?

4 (the thing) informal what is needed or required: you need a tonic—and here's just the thing.
• what is socially acceptable or fashionable: it wouldn't be quite the thing to go to a royal garden party in wellies.

5 (one's thing) informal one's special interest or inclination: reading isn't my thing.

6 (the thing) informal used to introduce or emphasize an important point: the thing is, I am going to sell this house.

things that go bump in the night informal, humorous unexplained and frightening noises at night, regarded as being caused by ghosts. the fear of long-legged beasties and things that go bump in the night.

ORIGIN Old English, of Germanic origin; related to German Ding. Early senses included ‘meeting’ and ‘matter, concern’ as well as ‘inanimate object’.