Not-what-im-called

"Not-what-im-called" refers to a linguistic placeholder or a humorous, self-deprecating way of referring to something whose proper name is unknown, forgotten, or intentionally omitted. It often appears in informal communication, signifying a gap in recall or a playful vagueness.

🤨 Meaning

The phrase literally means "not what I'm called," implying that the speaker is referring to something else or is unable/unwilling to use the correct nomenclature for the subject at hand. It functions as a verbal shrug, indicating a lack of a precise term while still conveying the general idea. It's a colloquial expression of the 'tip-of-the-tongue' phenomenon or a deliberate choice for humorous ambiguity.

📖 Origin

While not a formal term with a documented origin, "Not-what-im-called" likely emerged organically from common speech patterns where individuals struggle to recall specific names or terms. Its informal, slightly self-deprecating tone makes it a natural fit for online discourse, memes, and casual conversations. It's a manifestation of the universal human experience of 'tip-of-the-tongue' moments, evolving into a recognizable linguistic shortcut rather than being coined by a specific individual or event.

🎙️ Usage

"Not-what-im-called" is best suited for informal settings, casual conversations, and online interactions where precision is less important than conveying a general idea or adding a touch of humor. It's particularly useful when a specific name is genuinely forgotten, unknown, or when the speaker wishes to be deliberately vague. Examples of its use include:

• When forgetting a name or term: "Could you pass me that thing, you know, not-what-im-called, the remote?"
• Referring to an unnamed concept or item: "We need to address the elephant in the room, or rather, the not-what-im-called of the situation."
• For humorous or ironic effect: "My brain is so fried today, I can't even remember my own not-what-im-called."
• As a temporary placeholder in brainstorming: "Let's put 'not-what-im-called' here for the new feature name; we'll think of something better later."

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