Naming is the first step toward understanding. When you point at an object and ask "what that called," you are participating in one of the most fundamental human activities: categorizing reality. While the phrase might seem simple, the linguistic mechanics behind asking for a name—and the specific vocabulary for objects we often overlook—reveal a great deal about how the English language functions.

Effective communication relies on precision. Knowing the difference between "this," "that," and "it" can change the clarity of your question, and understanding why we use certain verbs over others helps avoid the common pitfalls that even advanced learners encounter.

The fundamental grammar of naming

When you are trying to identify an object, the structure of your question matters. The choice between "this," "that," and "it" is not arbitrary; it is rooted in a linguistic concept known as deixis, which refers to words that depend on the context of the speaker to have meaning.

Using "What is this called?"

This version is used for objects within your immediate physical reach. If you are holding an item in your hand, pointing to something on the table directly in front of you, or showing a photo on your smartphone, "this" is the correct choice. It signals proximity and immediate focus. In a learning environment, this is the most common way to acquire new vocabulary through direct interaction.

Using "What is that called?"

Distance is the deciding factor here. "That" refers to something away from the speaker but perhaps closer to the listener, or simply at a distance from both. If you are walking down a street and see a peculiar architectural feature on a building across the road, you would ask, "What is that called?" It creates a spatial gap between the inquirer and the subject.

Using "What is it called?"

"It" is often used for abstract concepts, ideas, or things that aren't physically present at the moment. For instance, if you are describing a feeling or a specific technique you saw in a movie yesterday, you would ask, "What is it called when you feel like you've experienced something before?" (The answer, of course, being déjà vu). "It" acts as a placeholder for a conceptual identity rather than a physical marker.

Why we avoid "How is it called?"

One of the most frequent errors in English language acquisition is the use of "how" instead of "what" when asking for a name. In many Romance and Germanic languages, the equivalent of "How do you call yourself?" or "How is this named?" is the standard. However, in English, we are seeking the identity (the "what") of the object, not the manner (the "how") in which the naming occurs.

If you ask "How is it called?", a native speaker might technically understand you, but it sounds unnatural. "How" usually refers to a process or a method. For example, "How is the president called to office?" refers to the election process. To find out a name, stick to "what."

The "What is called" construction in formal writing

Beyond simple questions, the phrase "what is called" (or "what are called") serves a specific purpose in analytical and academic English. It is often used to introduce a term that might be unfamiliar to the reader or to signal that a specific, perhaps controversial, label is being applied.

Consider this sentence: The phenomenon where plants grow toward a light source is what is called phototropism.

In this context, "what is called" acts as a bridge between the description and the technical term. It is synonymous with "what we call" or "so-called." However, a subtle distinction exists: "so-called" often carries a negative or skeptical connotation (implying the name might be inaccurate), whereas "what is called" is generally neutral and explanatory.

As of 2026, clarity in technical writing has become even more vital as we interact more with automated systems. Using these structures correctly ensures that both human readers and AI processing models can accurately map descriptions to their intended definitions.

Things you see every day that have specific names

Often, the reason we ask "what that called" is that we encounter objects so mundane we never bothered to learn their formal titles. Expanding your vocabulary in this area not only improves your English but also sharpens your observation of the world.

1. The Aglet

You see them every morning when you put on your shoes. The small plastic or metal tip at the end of a shoelace that prevents it from fraying and makes it easier to thread through the eyelets? That is called an aglet.

2. The Philtrum

Look in the mirror. The vertical groove between the base of your nose and the border of your upper lip has a specific anatomical name. It is called the philtrum. In many cultures, this small feature has various mythological explanations, but in biology, it's a remnant of where the sides of the face joined during development.

3. Petrichor

That earthy, pleasant scent that permeates the air when rain falls on dry soil after a long period of warm weather? That is called petrichor. The word is derived from the Greek 'petra' (stone) and 'ichor' (the fluid that flows in the veins of the gods).

4. Phosphenes

If you rub your eyes too hard and see stars or moving patterns of light even though your eyes are closed, you are experiencing phosphenes. These are the sensations of light produced by mechanical stimulation of the retina rather than actual light entering the eye.

5. Tittle

The small diacritic dot over the lowercase 'i' or 'j' is called a tittle. It's a tiny detail, but in the world of typography, every stroke and dot has a name.

6. Vagitus

The specific term for the crying of a newborn baby? It is called vagitus. It comes from the Latin 'vagire,' meaning to wail.

7. Interrobang

When you are so surprised that you combine a question mark and an exclamation point (?!), the resulting non-standard punctuation mark is called an interrobang. While not used in formal academic writing, it is a staple of modern digital expression.

8. Glabella

The smooth part of the forehead between the eyebrows and above the nose is called the glabella. It is a common reference point in medical examinations.

9. Purpriel

Have you ever noticed the purple or reddish-blue color of the clouds at sunset? This specific hue is sometimes referred to as purpriel, though it is a more obscure term compared to the general descriptions of the golden hour.

10. Columella Nasi

Continuing with the nose, the fleshy lower margin of the nasal septum that separates the nostrils is called the columella nasi.

The role of "What that called" in the age of Visual Search

By 2026, the way we ask "what that called" has shifted from purely verbal inquiries to multi-modal interactions. With the ubiquity of augmented reality (AR) glasses and advanced visual recognition, the act of naming has become instantaneous. However, the linguistic need to verify remains.

Even when an AI tells you the name of a plant or a tool, understanding the nuance of how to use that name in a sentence is a human skill. If an app identifies a bird as a "Peregrine Falcon," you still need to know how to frame that information: "This bird is what is called a Peregrine Falcon." The technology provides the noun; grammar provides the context.

Furthermore, the "tip-of-the-tongue" phenomenon—where you know a word exists but cannot retrieve it—is a universal human experience. Linguists suggest that having a broad vocabulary for specific parts of objects (meronyms) helps the brain build a more robust mental map, making it less likely for you to forget names in the first place.

Nuance in naming: Formal vs. Informal

When asking for a name, your choice of words can also signal the level of formality.

  • Informal: "What's the name of that thingy?" or "What do you call this gizmo?"
  • Neutral: "What is this called?" or "What is the name of this object?"
  • Formal/Technical: "By what term is this phenomenon designated?" or "How is this specific component classified?"

In professional environments, particularly in engineering or medicine, using the term "designated" or "termed" is often preferred over the simple "called." For example, "This part of the engine is termed the intake manifold" sounds more authoritative than "This is called the intake manifold."

Descriptive strategies when you don't know the name

Sometimes, even after asking "what that called," the person you are talking to might not know either. In these cases, you must rely on circumlocution—the act of describing something using many words when a single word would do. To do this effectively, focus on three pillars:

  1. Function: What does it do? "It's the thing you use to open bottles."
  2. Appearance: What does it look like? "It's a small, silver, L-shaped tool."
  3. Location: Where is it usually found? "It's the metal piece located inside the door frame."

By mastering these descriptive strategies, you ensure that even when the specific name eludes you, your communication remains uninterrupted.

The psychological impact of naming

There is a psychological comfort in knowing what things are called. This is known as the "Labeling Effect." When we can name a sensation, a physical object, or a complex emotion, it feels more manageable. It moves from the realm of the "unknown" to the "known."

For language learners, every time you successfully ask "what that called" and retain the answer, you are not just adding a word to a list; you are expanding your ability to navigate the world. You are building a bridge between your internal thoughts and the external reality that others share.

Practical tips for remembering new names

Once you've received an answer to your question, the challenge is retention. Here are a few evidence-based methods to ensure you don't have to ask the same question twice:

  • Spaced Repetition: Use the new word three times within the first hour of learning it, then again the next day, and a week later.
  • Visual Association: Mentally "label" the object in your mind's eye. Imagine a physical tag attached to the object with the name written in bold letters.
  • Etymological Mapping: Look up the origin of the word. Knowing that "aglet" comes from the Old French word for "needle" (aguille) makes the term much harder to forget.

Conclusion

The phrase "what that called" is a gateway to knowledge. Whether you are using it to correct your grammar, to find the technical name for a complex idea, or simply to satisfy your curiosity about the tiny parts of your shoes, you are engaging in the essential human pursuit of clarity.

In a world that is becoming increasingly complex and digital, the ability to name things accurately remains one of our most powerful tools. It allows us to share experiences, build technology, and express the finest shades of our emotions. So the next time you see something unfamiliar, don't hesitate to point and ask. Every answer is a new piece of the world that now belongs to you.