noun
dingus
DIHNG-guhs
Dingus (noun) means a gadget or object whose real name you can't remember or don't bother to use. Example: “Hand me that little dingus for opening jars.”
noun
1
A gadget or object whose real name you can't remember or don't bother to use.
"Hand me that little dingus for opening jars."
"What does this dingus on the dashboard even do?"
2
An informal, often affectionate or mocking word for a foolish or clumsy person.
"Stop being a dingus and just ask her out."
How to use dingus
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA placeholder word for an object you can't name, or a joking insult for someone acting silly.
When to use it
Very informal, mostly spoken American English.
Common pairings
a little dingus
some kind of dingus
stop being a dingus
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Word forms
- Plural
- dinguses
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Hand me that little _____ for opening jars.
Etymology
Likely borrowed from Dutch dinges ("thingamajig") or a related Afrikaans word, with the ending reshaped to look like a Latin -us word.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for dingus
See all rhymes for dingus →Frequently asked questions
What does “dingus” mean?
The word “dingus” means a gadget or object whose real name you can't remember or don't bother to use. In plain terms, a placeholder word for an object you can't name, or a joking insult for someone acting silly.
How do you pronounce “dingus”?
“Dingus” is pronounced DIHNG-guhs (/ˈdɪŋɡəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “dingus” in a sentence?
Here is “dingus” used in a sentence: “Hand me that little dingus for opening jars.”
What part of speech is “dingus”?
“Dingus” is a noun.
Where does the word “dingus” come from?
The word “dingus” comes from Latin. Likely borrowed from Dutch dinges ("thingamajig") or a related Afrikaans word, with the ending reshaped to look like a Latin -us word.
How many meanings does “dingus” have?
“Dingus” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a gadget or object whose real name you can't remember or don't bother to use.
