Meaning of thing-a-ma-jig-er

[Jojo]

Business English Courses, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #67 "Business dialogue on the phone", question 7

Bob picked up the ......... and dialed 9 then his home number.

(a) handle
(b) cord
(c) thing-a-ma-jig-er
(d) receiver

Business English Courses, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #67 "Business dialogue on the phone", answer 7

Bob picked up the receiver and dialed 9 then his home number.

Correct answer: (d) receiver
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what's the meaning of thing-a-ma-jig-er

Jojo

[Caroline]

well, I guess you sort of use this word when you don't know or can't remember the name of something when you need to say it in a context. So, instead of saying the name of it you just replace it by "thing-a-ma-jig-er". Let's say you don't know the word "knife" or can't remember it but you need someone to pass it to you so you can cut your bread. You can say: Can you pass me that thingamajigger so I can cut my bread? It also helps if you point at the thing.