doodads

Doodad is a term for a small object, often decorative or of little functional importance. It is commonly used as a placeholder name for something whose exact designation is not known or not important in a given context. The word is informal and can be used interchangeably with gizmo, gadget, trinket, or knickknack.

The etymology of doodad is uncertain. The term appears in American English in the 19th century and has since spread to other varieties of English. Its flexibility makes it a convenient label for a wide range of items, from hardware fittings to decorative accessories.

In everyday language, doodads include inexpensive novelties, fasteners, fittings, or adornments. In merchandising, doodads may refer to small promotional items, samples, or add-ons included with a product. In design and digital media, doodads are often used as jargon for decorative objects that populate environments—non-functional props such as trees, rocks, lamps, or furniture that enhance realism or atmosphere.

In software and game development, the usage is more specialized. Some studios refer to decorative UI elements or non-interactive props as doodads, though the terms widget, control, or asset are more common in formal contexts. Overall, doodad remains a flexible umbrella term for various small, sometimes forgettable, objects.