I never can remember the words of songs. The only one that I know really well is the second half of “The Boxer” by Paul Simon and Art Garfunkle. You know, the bit that goes lie lie lie, lie lie lie, lie lie lie, lie lie lie, lie lie lie, li-lie lie lie. I can sing along with that all day.
That’s why I make lots of lists. Here’s one of my most valuable: my GIZMO list. Non-specific words, gathered over a lifetime, for gadgets, artefacts and doohickeys – in a word – Gizmos.
Apparatus, Artefact, Article
Contraption, Contrivance
Device, Dinkus, Doodad, Doodah, Doohickey, Doojigger, Doowhedie
Gadget, Geegaw, Gimcrack, Gimmick, Gizmo (or Gismo)
Implement, Instrument, Item
Knick-knack
Machine, Maguffin, Mechanism
Object
Paraphenalia
Thing, Thingamibob, Thingammy, Thingumadoodle, Thingy
Whatchamacallit, Whatsit, Whizz-bang, Widget
Yoke
Have I forgotten any?
Additions to the list would be appreciated.