Meaning
A small stand of open shelves for displaying ornaments, photos, china, and knick-knacks — the 'whatnot' that stood in the corner of the parlour holding a family's treasured bits and pieces. Along with the dresser and the Morris chairs, the whatnot was part of the proud front-room set, its shelves crowded with the good glasses, plastic flowers, framed photographs, and small souvenirs that told a household's story. It is a fond emblem of old-time home life.
Examples
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Di good glass dem line up pon di whatnot.
The good glasses are lined up on the whatnot.
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Dust off di whatnot fi di visitors.
Dust off the display shelf for the visitors.
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Har photo deh pon di whatnot inna di corner.
Her photos are on the whatnot in the corner.
Origin
From English 'whatnot' (a stand for miscellaneous items); a display shelf. See [[dresser]], [[sideboard]].
How it’s used
A stand of open shelves for displaying ornaments and knick-knacks. See [[dresser]], [[sideboard]].