a gadget, device, or object whose name is unknown or forgotten.
Origin
1870-75; < Dutchdinges or its source, GermanDinges, probably orig. genitive, with partitive value, of Dingthing1
Word Origin and History for dingus
n.
"any unspecified or unspecifiable object; something one does not know the name of or does not wish to name," 1876, U.S. slang, from Dutch dinges, literally "thing" (see thing).
Slang definitions & phrases for dingus
dingus
noun
Any unspecified or unspecifiable object; something one does not know the name of or does not wish to name; gadget, gizmo: What's that dingus in the corner?(1876+)
The penis (1940s+)
[fr Dutch dinges, of the same meaning, essentially ''thing'']