I just discovered that the plastic/metal thingys placed in men’s shirt collars to make them stand up are called collar stays
. I discovered that during a recent trip to Kohl’s.. Here’s how the conversation looked like
Me : hmm.. you know those things in the collar.. that make them stiff.. you know..those things!!
Clerk : What things?
Me : Well.. those things that are made of  plastic and white in color.. you know…those things.
Clerk : Oh..Sir.. “those things” are called “Collar Stays”
Me : Thank you.. I feel enlightened now
BTW.. IMHO.. every gentleman should have some spare collar stays in his kit. And you can get them for cheap on Amazon.
You can free collar stays at Needless Markup.