whatyoucallit
The phrase 'what-you-call-it' is divided into four syllables: what-you-call-it, with primary stress on 'call'. It functions as a placeholder noun, formed from individual words rather than through morphological affixation. Syllabification follows the onset-rime and sonority sequencing principles.
Definitions
- 1
A phrase used to refer to something when the speaker does not know or cannot remember its name.
“Pass me that… what-you-call-it… the thing for opening bottles.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on the syllable 'call' (the third syllable). The other syllables are unstressed.
Syllables
what — Open syllable, containing a vowel followed by a consonant.. you — Open syllable, containing a vowel followed by a consonant.. call — Open syllable, containing a vowel followed by a consonant.. it — Closed syllable, containing a vowel followed by a consonant.
Similar Words
Onset-Rime Principle
Syllables are formed around a vowel nucleus, with preceding consonants forming the onset and following consonants forming the coda.
Sonority Sequencing Principle
Consonants within a syllable are ordered according to their sonority, with higher sonority sounds closer to the nucleus.
- The phrase is a colloquialism and a phrasal noun, deviating from typical word formation rules. Vowel reduction and 't' elision are possible in rapid speech.
Nearby Words
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