A "whatnot" primarily refers to a piece of furniture, specifically a floor- standing, open shelving unit with slender uprights that support multiple shelves for displaying items such as china, ornaments, or other collectibles. It originated from the French étagère and was popular in England in the 19th century. Whatnots are usually rectangular with three or four shelves, sometimes with a drawer, and serve as versatile display cases for a variety of objects.
Additionally, "whatnot" can also mean various other unspecified things or odds and ends, often used in a general sense to mean "etcetera" or "all sorts of things".
There is also a modern context where "Whatnot" is the name of an online live- stream auction and selling platform, where sellers auction items quickly in live streams, emphasizing instant buying experiences and bundle shipping discounts. However, this is distinct from the traditional furniture meaning.
In summary:
- Traditional meaning: an open shelf furniture piece for displaying items
- General usage: a term for miscellaneous items or "etcetera"
- Modern usage: a live auction e-commerce platform called Whatnot.
