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chirimbolo means thingamajig — a common term in Funny Words. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: November 28, 2025

😆 Funny Words

chirimbolo

noun • /[chee-reem-BO-lo]/

thingamajig

Example:

¿Dónde está el chirimbolo ese que usas?

Where's that thingamajig you use?

🧠 What does chirimbolo mean?

The word 'chirimbolo' is a colloquial and somewhat humorous Spanish noun used to refer to an object whose name is forgotten, unknown, or unimportant. It is equivalent to English terms like 'thingamajig', 'doodad', 'whatsit', or 'thingy'. It often describes a small, strange, or insignificant gadget, ornament, or part of a larger mechanism.

📚 Extra examples

  • Pásame ese chirimbolo para sacar el hueso de las aceitunas, por favor.
    Pass me that thingamajig for taking the pit out of the olives, please.
  • El motor no funciona porque se le cayó un chirimbolo de metal.
    The engine doesn't work because a little metal doohickey fell off it.
  • Compró un jarrón antiguo adornado con unos chirimbolos dorados muy extraños.
    She bought an antique vase decorated with some very strange golden doodads.

💡 Did You Know?

Words like 'chirimbolo' are known as 'placeholder names' or 'vadecum' words. They are very useful in everyday speech, allowing conversation to flow smoothly even when a speaker momentarily forgets a specific noun. Every language has its own creative and often funny-sounding versions of these.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "chirimbolo"

Synonyms: artilugio, cachivache, trasto, artefacto, aparato, chisme, coso
Opposites: As 'chirimbolo' refers to an unspecific object, it does not have a direct antonym. The opposite concept would be to name the specific object itself (e.g., 'tornillo', 'herramienta').

🔍 See more funny words words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'thingamajig' in Spanish?
A common and informal way to say 'thingamajig' in Spanish is 'chirimbolo'. Other similar words include 'cacharro', 'artilugio', 'chisme', or 'coso'.
How do you pronounce 'chirimbolo' in Spanish?
The word 'chirimbolo' is pronounced: chee-reem-BOH-loh. The stress falls on the third syllable, 'boh'.
How do you use 'chirimbolo' in a sentence?
Here is an example sentence: 'No sé cómo se llama esta pieza, pásame ese chirimbolo.' This translates to 'I don't know what this part is called, pass me that thingamajig.'
What is the English translation of 'chirimbolo'?
The English translation of 'chirimbolo' is 'thingamajig', 'whatsit', 'doodad', or 'doohickey'.
Does 'chirimbolo' change for gender or number?
Yes, it does. 'Chirimbolo' is a masculine noun. Its plural form is 'chirimbolos'. For example: 'un chirimbolo' (one thingamajig) and 'unos chirimbolos' (some thingamajigs).
Is 'chirimbolo' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'chirimbolo' is a fairly common colloquial word, particularly in Spain, used in informal conversations. Its usage might be less frequent in some parts of Latin America, where other words like 'chisme', 'cosa', or 'chunchito' are more common.
Does 'chirimbolo' have slang or double meanings?
Primarily, 'chirimbolo' refers to an object with an unknown name. It doesn't have established slang or double meanings, but its informal and whimsical tone means it can be used humorously to describe a convoluted or seemingly useless gadget.
Is 'chirimbolo' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
'Chirimbolo' is more characteristic of Peninsular Spanish (from Spain). While it may be understood in some Latin American countries, other regional terms are generally preferred. For instance, in Mexico 'chunchito' might be used, while in Argentina 'coso' or 'pendorcho' are common alternatives.

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