whatyoumaycallit
The phrase 'what-you-may--call-it' is divided into five syllables: what-you-may--call-it. Primary stress falls on 'call'. It's a phrasal noun with each word maintaining its individual syllabic structure. The double hyphen indicates a pause, not a syllable break.
Definitions
- 1
A phrase used to refer to something when the speaker does not know or cannot remember its name, or does not want to specify it.
“Pass me that… what-you-may-call-it… the tool with the red handle.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on 'call'. Secondary stress on 'what' and 'you'
Syllables
what — Open syllable, single vowel sound.. you — Open syllable, diphthong.. may — Open syllable, diphthong.. call — Open syllable, single vowel sound, primary stress.. it — Open syllable, single vowel sound.
Word Parts
Similar Words
Vowel-Consonant Rule
Syllables are typically divided after vowels.
Diphthong Rule
Diphthongs usually form a single syllable.
Phrasal Rule
Each word in a phrasal construction retains its individual syllabic structure.
- The double hyphen doesn't create a true syllable break. Regional variations in pronunciation might occur.
Nearby Words
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