What does wingding mean?
Wingding is an informal North American noun for a device, gadget, or other object whose name is unknown or does not matter. It can be used literally, as when someone points to an unfamiliar mechanism and calls it “a wingding,” or figuratively, in expressions such as “some wingding or other,” where it signals that the speaker is being vague, dismissive, or amused. The word often carries a playful, faintly dismissive tone and is especially useful in conversation, captions, comic dialogue, and other informal writing. Its exact origin is uncertain, although it is generally regarded as an American coinage. Because its meaning depends on context rather than on a highly specific technical referent, “wingding” can cover anything from a minor household mechanism to a mysterious-looking piece of equipment. The term is not usually appropriate in formal prose unless a writer is quoting speech or deliberately adopting a comic register. It is also sometimes chosen as a deliberately odd label in names and fictional descriptions.
nounAn object, device, or gadget whose name is unknown or unimportant, especially one that is unfamiliar or difficult to identify.
- An object, device, or gadget whose name is unknown, unimportant, or difficult to determine.
- An unspecified thing, often used humorously or dismissively when the speaker does not want to provide a more exact name.
"The engineer adjusted a small wingding behind the panel before restarting the machine."
"I left my notes under some wingding or other on the kitchen table."
"The pilot radioed for instructions before touching any of the unfamiliar wingdings in the cockpit."
Used for multiple unnamed or unidentified objects, devices, or gadgets.
"The mechanic removed several small wingdings from the housing."
Wingding is a linguistic shrug: it names the object precisely enough while refusing to identify it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of wingding
The exact origin of wingding is uncertain. It is generally treated as an American coinage of the twentieth century, although its formation and earliest documented use cannot be stated with certainty. Its components are not known to derive from a shared ancient root with other English words.
How wingding is actually used
Informal and chiefly North American. It often has a playful, amused, or mildly dismissive connotation and is less appropriate in formal prose.
Easily confused with wingding
A wingding is an unnamed or unidentified object or device, whereas winding refers to a coiled material or the act of turning something.