Whatshisname / Whatshername

4th July 2024

Whatshisname / Whatshername

We use this expression when we’re trying to remember someone’s name. We use one of these words instead of the person's name that we can't remember.
IH Bristol Phrase of the Day: Whatshername
Usage
Written: 
No
Spoken: 
Yes
Formal: 
No
Informal: 
Yes
Example 1
Whose is that car?
I think it belongs to, um, whatshername, the woman on the first floor.
Oh, you mean Mrs Perkins.
Example 2
Who was that amazing guitarist who died in the 70s, you know, Jimi whatshisname?
Jimi Hendrix?
That’s the one. Wasn’t he left-handed?