Top 30 Slang For Mechanism – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to understanding the inner workings of machines and devices, having a grasp on the slang for mechanism can be incredibly helpful. From gearheads to tech enthusiasts, knowing the lingo can make conversations flow smoother and make you sound like a pro. Let’s dive into our curated list of terms that will have you speaking the language of mechanics in no time!

Click above to generate some slangs

1. Gadget

A small mechanical or electronic device that performs a specific function. “Gadget” is a broad term that can refer to various types of technological tools or accessories.

For example, “I love using this new kitchen gadget to make smoothies.”
A tech enthusiast might say, “The latest gadgets are always coming out, it’s hard to keep up.”
Someone might ask, “Does anyone know where I can find a gadget to track my fitness goals?”

2. Gizmo

A term used to describe an object or device when the specific name or function is unknown or forgotten. “Gizmo” is often used to refer to a small, mechanical or electronic item.

For instance, “I found this little gizmo in the back of my drawer, not sure what it does.”
A person might say, “Can you hand me that gizmo over there? I need it for this project.”
Someone might ask, “Does anyone know how to fix this gizmo? It stopped working.”

3. Contraption

A mechanical device or apparatus that is complex or unusual in design, often with a specific purpose. “Contraption” is a term used to describe a contrivance or gadget that may seem strange or intricate.

For example, “He built a contraption that automatically feeds his pets.”
A person might say, “I saw this contraption at the fair that spins you around, it looked terrifying.”
Someone might ask, “Has anyone ever seen a contraption like this before? I found it in my grandfather’s workshop.”

4. Widget

A small mechanical or electronic device that is part of a larger system or product. “Widget” is a term often used in the context of technology or manufacturing to refer to a specific component or part.

For instance, “This widget is responsible for controlling the temperature of the machine.”
A person might say, “I need to replace a broken widget in my car’s engine.”
Someone might ask, “Does anyone know where I can find widgets for this particular model?”

5. Doohickey

A term used to refer to an object or device when the specific name or function is unknown or unimportant. “Doohickey” is a colloquial term that can be used to describe any small, mechanical item.

For example, “I need a doohickey to fix this loose screw.”
A person might say, “Can you pass me that doohickey? I need it to open this package.”
Someone might ask, “Do you know what this doohickey is for? I found it in my garage.”

6. Thingamajig

This term is used to refer to an object or device whose name is unknown or forgotten. It is often used when someone cannot remember the specific name of something.

For example, “Hand me that thingamajig over there, please.”
In a conversation about fixing a broken appliance, someone might say, “I need to replace the thingamajig that connects the wires.”
A person describing a complicated gadget might say, “It’s got all these buttons and switches and thingamajigs.”

7. Whatchamacallit

Similar to “thingamajig,” this term is used to refer to an object whose name is unknown or forgotten. It is often used when someone is trying to describe something but can’t remember the specific name.

For instance, “Can you hand me the whatchamacallit on the top shelf?”
In a discussion about a new invention, someone might say, “I saw this amazing whatchamacallit that can clean your house in minutes.”
A person trying to explain a complicated tool might say, “It’s like a whatchamacallit that you use to tighten screws.”

8. Gismo

This term is used to refer to a gadget or device whose name is unknown or forgotten. It is often used when someone is trying to describe a device but can’t remember the specific name.

For example, “I just bought this new gismo that can track my sleep.”
In a conversation about a cool gadget, someone might say, “Have you seen the latest gismo that can control your home appliances?”
A person describing a high-tech device might say, “It’s this small gismo that can project images onto any surface.”

9. Thingamabob

Similar to “thingamajig” and “whatchamacallit,” this term is used to refer to an object or item whose name is unknown or forgotten. It is often used when someone is trying to describe something but can’t remember the specific name.

For instance, “I found this thingamabob in the back of my drawer. I have no idea what it’s for.”
In a discussion about a strange tool, someone might say, “I saw this weird thingamabob that can open any jar.”
A person trying to explain a complicated device might say, “It’s like a thingamabob that you can use to measure temperature.”

10. Apparatus

This term is used to refer to a complex set of equipment or a device used for a specific purpose. It is often used in technical or scientific contexts.

For example, “The laboratory has a state-of-the-art apparatus for conducting experiments.”
In a discussion about medical equipment, someone might say, “The doctor used a specialized apparatus to perform the surgery.”
A person describing a complex machine might say, “The apparatus consists of multiple interconnected parts that work together to produce the desired result.”

11. Gubbins

Refers to small, often unidentifiable or miscellaneous parts of a machine or mechanism. “Gubbins” is a colloquial term used to describe the various components or elements that make up a system.

For example, a mechanic might say, “I need to find the gubbins that fell out of this engine.”
In a conversation about technology, someone might ask, “Do you know what all these gubbins do?”
A person working on a DIY project might comment, “I’ve got all the gubbins I need to build this contraption.”

12. Rube Goldberg

Refers to a machine or mechanism that is overly complicated or convoluted in its design or operation. “Rube Goldberg” is named after the American cartoonist who was famous for drawing intricate and impractical contraptions.

For instance, a person might say, “This contraption is like a Rube Goldberg machine, with a dozen unnecessary steps.”
In a discussion about engineering, someone might comment, “Sometimes simplicity is better than a Rube Goldberg design.”
A person describing a complicated process might say, “It’s like a Rube Goldberg machine trying to get through all the bureaucracy.”

13. Whatsit

Refers to an object or device whose name or purpose is unknown or forgotten. “Whatsit” is a slang term used when someone is unable to recall the specific name or function of an item.

For example, someone might ask, “Can you hand me that whatsit over there?”
In a conversation about gadgets, a person might say, “I have this cool new whatsit that helps me track my steps.”
A person describing a tool they can’t remember the name of might say, “I need that metal whatsit to fix this broken hinge.”

14. Rube Goldberg Machine

Refers to a machine or mechanism that performs a simple task in a very complex and convoluted manner. A “Rube Goldberg machine” is named after the American cartoonist who depicted such contraptions in his comics.

For instance, a person might say, “I built a Rube Goldberg machine to turn on my coffee maker in the morning.”
In a discussion about engineering challenges, someone might comment, “Designing a reliable Rube Goldberg machine is no easy task.”
A person describing a creative project might say, “I’m working on a Rube Goldberg machine that will water my plants automatically.”

15. Rig

Refers to the arrangement or configuration of various components or parts of a machine or mechanism. “Rig” is a slang term used to describe the overall structure or system of a device.

For example, a person might say, “I need to adjust the rig on this sailboat to catch more wind.”
In a conversation about computer hardware, someone might comment, “I just built a new gaming rig with top-of-the-line components.”
A person describing the set-up of a stage for a concert might say, “The lighting rig is crucial to creating the right atmosphere for the performance.”

16. Setup

Refers to the way in which something is organized or arranged. It can also refer to the process of preparing or installing something.

For example, “The setup of this machine is quite complex.”
In a discussion about computer systems, someone might say, “I just finished the setup of my new gaming PC.”
A technician might ask, “Have you checked the setup of the network cables?”

17. Machinery

Refers to a collection of machines or mechanical equipment used for a specific purpose. It can also refer to the working parts of a machine.

For instance, “The factory is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery.”
In a conversation about industrial manufacturing, someone might mention, “The machinery in this plant is highly automated.”
A mechanic might say, “I specialize in repairing heavy machinery.”

18. Gear

Refers to the equipment, tools, or clothing used for a specific activity or purpose. It can also be used to describe the mechanism or parts of a machine.

For example, “I need to buy some camping gear for our trip.”
In a discussion about cars, someone might say, “The transmission gear is not shifting properly.”
A hiker might ask, “What gear should I bring for this challenging trail?”

19. Device

Refers to a piece of electronic or mechanical equipment that has a specific function or purpose. It can also refer to a contrivance or invention.

For instance, “This device can track your daily steps.”
In a conversation about smartphones, someone might mention, “The latest device from this brand has an impressive camera.”
An engineer might say, “I’ve developed a new device to improve energy efficiency.”

20. Equipment

Refers to the tools, machinery, or other items used for a specific activity or task. It can also refer to the necessary items or resources needed for a particular undertaking.

For example, “The firefighters are equipped with the latest safety equipment.”
In a discussion about sports, someone might mention, “Proper equipment is essential for player safety.”
A chef might say, “Having high-quality kitchen equipment makes a huge difference in cooking.”

21. Instrumentation

Refers to the tools or devices used to measure, monitor, or control a system or process. “Gizmos” is a colloquial term often used to describe various types of instrumentation.

For example, in a laboratory setting, a scientist might say, “I need to calibrate the gizmos before conducting the experiment.”
In a discussion about music production, someone might mention, “Using various gizmos, producers can create unique sounds.”
A technician working on a car might say, “I’ll use my gizmos to diagnose the issue with the engine.”

22. System

Refers to a collection of components or parts that work together to perform a specific function. “Setup” is a slang term often used to describe a system, especially in technical or computer-related contexts.

For instance, in a discussion about computer networks, someone might say, “We need to optimize the setup to improve data transfer.”
In a conversation about home theater systems, a person might mention, “I just upgraded my setup with a new soundbar.”
A gamer might refer to their gaming console and accessories as their “gaming setup.”

23. Mechanism

Refers to the internal workings or components of a machine or system. “Guts” is a colloquial term often used to describe the mechanism or inner workings of something.

For example, a mechanic might say, “Let me take a look at the guts of your car to diagnose the problem.”
In a discussion about a complex software program, someone might mention, “Understanding the guts of the code is crucial for troubleshooting.”
A person discussing the construction of a building might say, “The guts of the structure include the foundation, beams, and support systems.”

24. Contrivance

Refers to a clever or innovative device or contraption. “Gadget” is a slang term often used to describe a contrivance, especially one that is small and portable.

For instance, someone might say, “I love this little gadget that helps me open jars.”
In a discussion about the latest technology, a person might mention, “Smartwatches are becoming popular gadgets for tracking fitness.”
A person showing off a new kitchen tool might say, “Check out this cool contrivance I got for slicing vegetables.”

25. Implement

Refers to a device or instrument used to carry out a specific task or function. “Tool” is a common slang term often used to describe an implement, especially one used for manual labor or repair work.

For example, a carpenter might say, “I need to grab my tools to start working on this project.”
In a discussion about gardening, someone might mention, “Having the right tools makes planting and maintaining a garden much easier.”
A person discussing a DIY home improvement project might say, “I’m going to need a variety of implements to complete this task.”

26. Appliance

An appliance refers to a device or machine that performs a specific function, typically in a household setting. It is often used to describe electrical or mechanical devices that make household tasks easier or more efficient.

For example, “I need to buy a new kitchen appliance, my blender broke.”
A person might say, “I love modern appliances, they make my life so much easier.”
In a discussion about home improvement, someone might mention, “Smart appliances are the future of household technology.”

27. Automaton

An automaton refers to a self-operating machine or robot that performs tasks with minimal or no human intervention. The term is often used to describe mechanical devices that imitate human or animal movements.

For instance, “The automaton danced and played music at the carnival.”
In a science fiction novel, a character might encounter an automaton and say, “I’ve never seen such advanced robotics.”
A person might describe a robot they saw as, “An incredible automaton that could perform complex tasks.”

28. Tool

A tool refers to a device or implement used to carry out a specific task or achieve a particular purpose. It can be a handheld device or a machine that helps in performing manual or mechanical work.

For example, “I need a screwdriver, it’s an essential tool for assembling furniture.”
A person might say, “Having the right tools can make a job much easier and efficient.”
In a discussion about woodworking, someone might mention, “A good set of tools is crucial for any woodworker.”

29. Instrument

An instrument refers to a device or tool used to measure, record, or control something. It can be a mechanical or electronic device that is used in various fields such as science, music, or medicine.

For instance, “The scientist used a microscope, a vital instrument in their research.”
In a music concert, a musician might say, “My instrument is my voice, and I love performing with it.”
A doctor might explain, “A stethoscope is a crucial instrument for examining patients.”

30. Doodad

Doodad is a slang term used to refer to an unspecified object or gadget, often used when the speaker can’t recall the specific name or doesn’t know what to call it. It is a colloquial term used for any small or insignificant item.

For example, “Can you hand me that doodad over there? I need it for my project.”
A person might say, “I found this interesting little doodad at the flea market.”
In a conversation about organizing tools, someone might ask, “Where did I put that doodad for hanging pictures?”