noun a word that functions as the name of a specific person, place, thing, or idea
pronoun a word that can function by itself as a noun phrase and that refers either to the participants in the discourse or to someone or something mentioned elsewhere in the discourse
Often used in scripts or dialogue to indicate a character whose name is not important or known
Used when referring to someone whose name you can't remember or don't want to say
Commonly used in casual conversation when trying to recall someone's name
Casually used among friends when trying to remember or avoid using someone's name
Used informally when discussing someone whose name is not relevant to the conversation
In writing, 'what's-his/her-face' may be used as a placeholder when the name of a character or person is forgotten or not known.
Psychologists may use 'what's-his/her-face' when discussing cases or scenarios where the specific individual is not relevant to the discussion.
Teachers may use 'what's-his/her-face' when referring to a student whose name they cannot remember in the moment.
Doctors may use 'what's-his/her-face' when discussing a patient whose name they do not recall or need to keep confidential.
Lawyers may use 'what's-his/her-face' when discussing a case or client without disclosing specific details or names.