I have, over the years, developed quite the DIY vocabulary list. Most of my terms are somewhat technical sounding and I have decided to share some of them with you. Bear in mind, I had no brothers growing up and was dads gopher for much of my early years. Lord knows he tried to teach me right, but I just didn't grasp the correct name for some of the tools I had to go get for him. To this day, I call things by the wrong name but I can tell you what they are, what they are used for, and I usually use them correctly. There is still the occasion a screw driver will make due when a hammer isn't within arms reach.

DIY: Simple term meaning-Do it yourself. You do the work. You save the money and if all else fails, you call a friend who has the skills.

Whatcha-ma-thingie: A part that is left over after an installation. Mystery part that even though it wasn't used, does not affect the function of the item.

Do-Flotchie: Term used when you can't remember what something is called. (see also: Whatcha-ma-thingie)

Star Screw Driver:  Technical term for a Phillips Head Screw Driver.

Straight Screw Driver: Technical term for Standard Flat Head Head Screw Driver.

The Jabby Think With A Handle: That ice picky looking thing. Correct definition: Awl- A pointed tool for making or marking/starting holes in wood or leather.

Destruction Sheet: The paper that comes with the product that you put in a safe place so you will have it when you need it.....but then can't find when you start the project! Correct definition: Instruction Sheet: Step by step paper for installation or assembly of what you bought.

Measurey Thing: That thing in a metal case that you pull out to measure long things. Correct definition: Tape Measure-A tape measure or measuring tape is a flexible form of ruler. It consists of a ribbon of cloth, plastic, fiber glass, or metal strip with linear-measurement markings.

Tape Measurer: A person that measures pieces of tape?  (I was corrected many times by my dad using this little gem) Correct defintion: Tape Measurer: A person that measures tape! (Not to be confused with a tape measure which is also known as the Measurey Thing.)

Plastic Gauge Thing With Wires: The black thing that you use to see if there is a electric current. (Much safer than sticking your tongue on a 9 volt battery terminal like dad tricked me into doing when I was a kid).  Correct definition: Ohm meter-used to find electrical malfunctions in your home.

The Angle Cutting Thing: The yellow plastic thing that has cuts all over it. Correct definition: Miter box-A box used to make manual miter/angled edges in woodworking.

The Persuader: Any type of pounding device used to convince two parts to fit together or into one space.  (Not recommended nor should you ever implement the use of...when there is a warranty issue)  Correct definition: Hammer These are just a few of the "Donna-isms" I use when I'm doing a DIY project. Do you have any "isms" you would like to share?  I would love to hear your comments. Yes, I am still working on my "Mess to Managed Projects" and have another installment for the OVISonline.com Blog, just about ready to publish. Please share your projects before and after pictures with me. I have posted all my ugly before and fabulous afters for everyone to comment on. Now, you show me yours! I may use your images in a future blog article.