dingus colloq.
(ˈdɪŋgəs)
Also dinges, dingis,
[f. Du. ding thing; cf. dingbat.]
A gadget, contraption, ‘thingummy’.
| 1876 Pioche (Nev.) Jrnl. 23 Sept. 3/1 The latest thing in the way of a soul-warmer that the youths of Pioche have got is a dingis made thusly. 1882 G. W. Peck Peck's Sunshine 21 They pull out a dingus and three joints of fish-pole come out. 1898 Empire 27 Aug. (Pettman), ‘Where d'ye find the animile?’ ‘Animal, Mr. Pike?’ ‘The dingus—the gentleman who lumbers round in space.’ 1913 C. Pettman Africanderisms, Dinges, thing, almost universal in its application, things animate and inanimate in Dutch-speaking districts are all of them dinges if the speaker fails to recall their names. 1915 S. Lewis Trail of Hawk xxii. 203 That dingus in front is a whirling motor. 1928 Blackw. Mag. Jan. 30/1 Even an oiler, sent in an emergency to start such a homely inadequate dingus, can do no more. 1937 Robinson & Browne How to be Perfect Husband 126 To people who have been married for years this dingus should have a powerful appeal. 1939 ‘N. Blake’ Smiler with Knife 19 I'll just stick the whole dingus together again. |