what's-their-name

See also: whatstheirname and what'stheirname

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

Univerbation of what's +‎ their +‎ name.

Pronoun

what's-their-name (plural what's-their-names)

  1. (informal, chiefly in the singular) A person whose identity is unknown or forgotten (especially when better-known to the listener).
    Near-synonyms: what's-their-face (what's-his-face, what's-her-face); whatchamacallhim, whatchamacallher; you-know-who; so-and-so; see also Thesaurus:what's-their-name
    Coordinate terms: what's-his-name, what's-her-name

Noun

what's-their-name (plural what's-their-names)

  1. (informal, derogatory, chiefly in the plural) A passing acquaintance of no importance or relevance.
    Coordinate terms: what's-his-name, what's-her-name

Usage notes

  • Reduced forms such as whatsename are only used for the pronoun, and typically only in speech.
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