Whatnot: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term 'whatnot' comes from the early 19th century, originally used in British English.
• It is believed to be a combination of 'what' and 'not', suggesting other unspecified items.
• Initially, it referred to a small shelf or stand for displaying decorative items.

Pop Culture

• 'Whatnot' has appeared in various TV shows and movies, often indicating a whimsical or casual tone.
• It was popularized in the sitcoms of the late 20th century, often used for comedic effect when listing items.
• Contemporary usage in social chats often includes 'and whatnot' to imply additional topics in discussions.

Linguistics

• The word exemplifies how English evolves to include playful or informal terms in everyday speech.
• Some linguistic scholars consider it a great example of a 'filler' term used when a speaker is unsure of specifics.
• 'Whatnot' often reflects a casual register, making it popular in informal contexts.

History

• Records show that 'whatnot' was commonly used by Victorian-era English speakers to diminish the importance of items.
• It represents the shift of language towards more conversational forms post-industrial revolution, where informal communication flourished.
• The word has evolved over decades, now embracing a broad range beyond its original meaning.

Psychology

• Using vague terms like 'whatnot' may help reduce cognitive load during conversations, allowing for smoother dialogue.
• People often use such terms when indicating a shared understanding, suggesting familiarity with the group discussion.
• Psychological studies on conversation suggest filler words can increase perceived friendliness and approachability in social interactions.

This word's position of #32,196 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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• 32193 interbreeding
• 32194 cueing
• 32195 strafing
• 32196 whatnot
• 32197 concordat
• 32198 eland
• 32199 slandering
• ...