10 Everyday Objects Students Often Can’t Name in English

🟢 You see these objects every day — at home, at work, or in class — but do you actually know what they’re called in English?

Many students say “this thing” or “the thing you use for…” simply because no one ever taught them the word. And that’s completely normal.

In this short video, you’ll see 10 everyday objects.
Watch first, try to name them, and then check the answers.

(No pasa nada si no los sabes todos — para eso estamos aquí.)

🔎 Useful English Words When You Forget the Name (B1 + )

In real English, people don’t always know or remember the exact name of an object. When this happens, we often use informal “replacement words” to keep speaking.

Three very common ones are:

thingamajig
thingamabob
whatchamacallit

They all mean:
👉 “this thing, but I can’t remember the name.”

🟡 thingamajig / thingamabob    /thíng-a-ma-bob – thing-a-ma-jig/

Used when you can see the object but don’t know its name.

• Can you pass me that thingamajig?

• The thingamajig on the table is broken.

• I bought a new kitchen thingamabob.

• Where’s the little thingamabob for the printer?

🔵 whatchamacallit  /wót-dja-ma-col-it/

Used while you are thinking and looking for the word.

• I spoke to… whatchamacallit… the manager.

• Press the… whatchamacallit… green button.

This helps you keep talking without stopping.

⚠️ Important notes

• These words are informal

• Use them in conversation, not in formal writing

• Native speakers use them all the time

Forgetting a word is normal — even in your own language!

🌱 Tip for learners

If you forget a word:

• don’t stop

• don’t panic

Use a word like thingamajig or whatchamacallit and keep going.
That’s what fluent speakers do.