Word page
Whatsisname means an informal placeholder for a person whose name you cannot remember or do not wish to say. It belongs to odd objects and contraptions and works best in describing tools, curiosities, and mysterious things with personality. It still feels usable today, especially when you want a word with more character than the plainest alternative.
Whatsisname means an informal placeholder for a person whose name you cannot remember or do not wish to say. It is usually pronounced WHAT-sis-naym, and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
In plain English, whatsisname refers to an informal placeholder for a person whose name you cannot remember or do not wish to say. It is most useful when a plain label would tell the truth but miss the tone, flavor, or comic edge.
Whatsisname feels absurd because it has more texture than the plain alternative, giving the idea an extra bit of theatrical, comic, or overbuilt energy.
Whatsisname is generally traced to english colloquial blend from “what’s his name”. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Whatsisname is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
Use whatsisname when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in describing tools, curiosities, and mysterious things with personality.
whatsername, so-and-so, whatshisface, whoever-he-is, that guy
named person, identified individual, full name
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.
