Feifei and Finn are going to present a programme—but before they begin, Feifei wants Finn to pass her the… thingy. What does she mean? Listen to the programme to find out.
Note: This is not a word-for-word transcript.
Feifei
Hello Finn. Looking forward to another The English We Speak?
Finn
Hi, Feifei! Oh yes, always…
Feifei
Actually, before we begin, could you pass me the thingy?
Finn
Which thingy? The script?
Feifei
No, no—not the script. The thingy behind you…
Finn
Ah, you need a pen? Here you go.
Feifei
No. I've got a pen actually. Two pens. I mean that… thingy over there…
Finn
Which thingy? Listen, I know this studio is a bit of a mess, isn't it? So if you keep saying 'thingy' we could be here all day!
Feifei
Sorry, Finn. 'Thingy' is a word which we sometimes use when I can't remember or don't know the name of an object.
Finn
It is indeed. And it can be used, informally, when you can't remember the name of a particular person too. And it's today's expression, Feifei?
Feifei
Yes, why not? 'Thingy' is our word today in The English We Speak. Let's hear some examples of how it's used.
Examples
You want a recipe for stew? Ask… thingy. She was talking about a lovely one the other day.
Sorry, I'm late for the meeting. Could you just pass me the thingy for my report… I mean… the stapler?
Feifei
That's it! I was asking for the… stopwatch! I need to time the programme, Finn.
Finn
No, you don't. The programme is over. And this stopwatch shouldn't really be here. It belongs to… to… he was looking for it the other day.
Feifei
Belongs to…?
Finn
It belongs to… thingy.
Feifei
Come one, Finn. It belongs to Rob. I'll return it to him!
Both
Bye!