Plural form of what. Used as a stand-in to collectively pluralize arbitrary instances of things. Often used along with whys, hows, etc

Made by humans, especially in imitation of something natural, Not arising from natural or necessary causes; contrived or arbitrary, artificially formal

Determined by chance, whim, or impulse, and not by necessity, reason, or principle, Based on or subject to individual judgment or preference, based on or subject to individual discretion or preference or sometimes impulse or caprice

Communication of thoughts and feelings through a system of arbitrary signals, such as voice sounds, gestures, or written symbols, Such a system including its rules for combining its components, such as words, A system of signs, symbols, gestures, or rules used in communicating

A system of symbols, letters, or words given certain arbitrary meanings, used for transmitting messages requiring secrecy or brevity, A systematic collection of regulations or rules of procedure or conduct,