Inklingo

How to Say "thingy" in Spanish

English → Spanish

chisme

CHEE-smehˈtʃisme

nounB1informal
Use 'chisme' when you've forgotten the name of a common or simple object, often one you might use around the house.
A small, mysterious mechanical part with gears and a button on a wooden table.

Examples

¿Me pasas ese chisme para abrir la botella?

Can you pass me that thingy for opening the bottle?

¿Para qué sirve este chisme?

What is this thingy for?

Pásame ese chisme que está en la mesa.

Pass me that gadget that's on the table.

Tengo la casa llena de chismes viejos.

My house is full of old knick-knacks.

The ultimate 'placeholder' word

Just like 'thingy' in English, use 'chisme' when you are pointing at something but can't find the specific word for it.

Don't use for people

Mistake: “Ese chisme es mi amigo.”

Correction: No correction; 'chisme' only refers to objects or rumors, never people.

volado

bo-LAH-doboˈlaðo

nounC1informal
Choose 'volado' when you've forgotten the name of a specific object, especially if it's a tool or a component with a particular function.
A person pointing at a small, strangely shaped mechanical part on a table with a confused look.

Examples

Necesito el volado para arreglar el grifo.

I need the thingy to fix the faucet.

¿Cómo se llama ese volado para abrir las latas?

What do you call that thingy for opening cans?

Chisme vs. Volado

The main confusion arises between 'chisme' and 'volado' for forgotten object names. While both are informal, 'chisme' is more general for everyday items, whereas 'volado' often implies a more specific or functional object, sometimes a tool or part.

Related Translations

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