whatyoumaycallit
The phrase 'what-you-may--call-it' is a compound noun phrase with primary stress on 'call'. Syllabification follows standard V-C-V and compound word rules, with the unusual addition of a double hyphen indicating a pause.
Definitions
- 1
A phrase used to refer to something when the speaker does not know, does not remember, or cannot be bothered to name it precisely.
“Pass me that what-you-may--call-it over there.”
“I need to find the what-you-may--call-it to open the box.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on the syllable 'call'. The other syllables are unstressed or weakly stressed.
Syllables
what — Open syllable, initial syllable, unstressed.. you — Open syllable, unstressed, vowel reduction possible.. may — Open syllable, unstressed.. call — Closed syllable, primary stressed syllable.. it — Closed syllable, unstressed, final syllable.
Word Parts
Similar Words
V-C-V Rule
Vowels typically separate syllables.
Consonant Cluster Rule
Consonant clusters are generally kept together within a syllable.
Compound Word Rule
Compound words are divided between their constituent parts.
Hyphenated Pause Rule
The double hyphen indicates a pause, creating separate syllables.
- The double hyphen is an unusual orthographic feature and requires special consideration. Vowel reduction in unstressed syllables is common.
Nearby Words
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