gubbins

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gubbins

She sorted through a box of old gubbins in the attic.

Definition

Noun: 1. Assorted items, paraphernalia: A collection of miscellaneous, often small, objects or bits and pieces. 2. A gadget or device (chiefly British, informal): A small, unspecified mechanical object or contrivance, especially one whose name is unknown, forgotten, or considered unimportant.

Usage

The word "gubbins" is a chiefly British, informal term. It is used to refer vaguely to a collection of small items or to a single small device, often with a tone of slight dismissiveness or affection. It describes things that are considered trivial, messy, or whose specific names are not worth recalling.

Examples
  • Referring to miscellaneous items:
    • I need to sort through all the gubbins in this drawer.
    • He emptied his pockets: keys, coins, and assorted gubbins.
  • Referring to a gadget:
    • Just turn that little metal gubbins on the side to adjust it.
    • What does this gubbins here do?
Advanced Usage
  • "The whole gubbins": This phrase is used to mean "the whole thing" or "the entire set of related items or apparatus."
    • You have to assemble the shelf, the brackets, the screws—the whole gubbins.
Variants and Related Words
  • Gubbinses (plural, non-standard): An informal plural form, though "gubbins" itself is often treated as a plural or collective noun.
    • There are too many little gubbinses to keep track of.
Synonyms
  • Paraphernalia: Miscellaneous articles, especially the equipment needed for a particular activity.
  • Bits and bobs: Small miscellaneous items.
  • Doodad / Thingamajig / Whatchamacallit: Informal words for an object whose name one cannot recall.
  • Gizmo: A gadget, especially one that is novel or complex.
  • Junk: Old or discarded items considered useless.
Related Idioms
  • All the gubbins: Synonymous with "the whole gubbins," meaning everything included.
    • The kit comes with the tool, a case, and all the gubbins.
gubbins

She sorted through a box of old gubbins in the attic.

Noun
  1. something unspecified whose name is either forgotten or not known
    • she eased the ball-shaped doodad back into its socket
    • there may be some great new gizmo around the corner that you will want to use

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