The Universal Thingy

Word - Thingy

Use things wisely -before they use you. - Michelle Liew

This is for WOA’s A Word You Wish Existed unofficial December challenge.

A word that I wished was part of the English dictionary but used loosely is Thingy. It stands for objects that are somewhat difficult to describe. Here is my take on this colloquialism.

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Misunderstood, but wanted. The words described the gadgets Dr. Elise Marlowe became known for inventing. Testamonials on social media worked - her latest creation, which she dubbed “The Thingy,” became a household name on social media overnight. It didn’t look marvellous - until one held it. It emitted a curious hum, as though it was alive.

“What’s it for?” reporters asked.

“It’s a multi-purpose device,” The good doctor’s answer was cryptic. “It becomes whatever you THINK you need.” She said with a lift of her eyebrows.                                                            

No one knew how it worked, and Dr. Marlowe kept mum. Skepticism soon became obsession as users discovered its uncanny ability to read minds. A woman found a wedding ring simply by thinking of it and drawing upon the THINGY. Lost your reading glasses? Just use the Thingy, and think of them. Soon, owning a Thingy wasn’t a luxury - it was a necessity.                  

But its brilliance came at a cost. The more people used it, the more they seemed unable to function without it. Convenience became a crutch. People couldn’t live without phones or air conditioning. People depended on the Thingy to THINK.                                                                                          

The doctor didn’t stay to account for her invention. One day, she vanished leaving behind a note:                                                                                                

“The Thingy was never meant to fix your problems. I meant it to show how dependent you’ve become - on THINGS. Use it wisely.”                            

But it was too late to stop its growth. The Thingy soon morphed, becoming mobile phones, gadgets and other devices. They hummed and glowed, becoming newer, irresistible forms.   The Thingy wasn’t a device - it had parasitic intelligence.