whatnot

noun

Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *kʷ- Proto-Indo-European *kʷís Proto-Germanic *hwat Proto-West Germanic *hwat Old English hwæt Middle English what English what Proto-Indo-European *né Proto-Germanic *ne Proto-West Germanic *ne Proto-Indo-European *h₂ey- Proto-Indo-European *-u Proto-Indo-European *h₂óyu Proto-Indo-European *-osinflu. Proto-Germanic *aiwaz Proto-West Germanic *aiw univ. Proto-West Germanic *naiw Proto-Indo-European *wekʷ- Proto-Indo-European *-tis Proto-Indo-European *wékʷtisder.? Proto-Indo-European *weǵʰ- Proto-Indo-European *-tis Proto-Indo-European *wéǵʰtisder.? Proto-Germanic *wihtą Proto-West Germanic *wiht Proto-West Germanic *naiwwiht Old English nāwiht Old English *nōht Middle English nought Middle English not English not English whatnot From what + not.

1. A small unspecified object; bric-a-brac (in plural).

   “Storage boxes—catchalls for flotsam, jetsam, whatnots and thingamajigs—are gaining new interest as decorative objects for the home.”

   “Do not be distracted by the various novelty bags and whatnots of which Chanel is so fond; instead, prove your aforementioned sensible credentials by buying a boxy rectangular quilted shoulder bag with a chain strap, in black, ideally.”

2. Other related objects or ideas.

   “At the lexicography club, we welcome all discussion of words and whatnot.”

   “All of the cakes and whatnot have been laid out, ready for the children's birthday party this afternoon.”

3. A freestanding set of shelves on which ornaments are displayed; an etagere.

   “On a whatnot in a corner which had been devoted to the child's belongings were Franky's paint-box and some of his toys.”

   “Herbert[…] made an elaborate inspection of the chimney-piece, the whatnot, the piano-top.”