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.