What does "bits and bobs" mean?
What it means: Various small items, things, or tasks - a mixture of odds and ends with no specific category."I just need to pick up a few bits and bobs from the shops.""She had all sorts of bits and bobs on her desk.""I've got a few bits and bobs to sort out this afternoon.""They sell bits and bo...
What it means
Various small items, things, or tasks - a mixture of odds and ends with no specific category.
"I just need to pick up a few bits and bobs from the shops."
"She had all sorts of bits and bobs on her desk."
"I've got a few bits and bobs to sort out this afternoon."
"They sell bits and bobs - stationery, gifts, that sort of thing."
What it implies
The things are miscellaneous, not significant individually, and you're deliberately being vague about the details. It has a relaxed, casual feel.
Usage
Very common in British English conversation. It appears naturally when someone doesn't want to list every item or task specifically.
Similar British expressions
- "Odds and ends" - same meaning, slightly more general
- "This and that" - when answering "what did you do?" vaguely
- "Stuff" - more universal, less specifically British
- "Bits and pieces" - identical meaning
In Northern English
Even more common in casual speech.
Register
Informal. Used in conversation and informal writing. Americans might say "odds and ends" or just "stuff."
What does "bits and bobs" mean?
Various small items, things, or tasks - a mixture of odds and ends with no specific category.
"I just need to pick up a few bits and bobs from the shops."
"She had all sorts of bits and bobs on her desk."
"I've got a few bits and bobs to sort out this afternoon."
"They sell bits and bobs - stationery, gifts, that sort of thing."
Is "bits and bobs" formal or informal?
Informal. Used in conversation and informal writing. Americans might say "odds and ends" or just "stuff."
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