Etc is an abbreviation for
Et Cetera, a Latin saying that means "and other things", but people commonly use it when they can't think of anything else to put on a list, but know they are other things that can go on
that list. During the example I am stating, between these: *, an
asterisk, means that he/she is thinking, not speaking.
"Today I ate cereal,
a peanut butter and
jelly sandwich, a cup of
yogurt, *I can't remember what else I ate, but I remember eating something else! I have an idea.* etc."
Without the *Thinking*, this is what he/she said:
"Today I ate cereal, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a cup of yogurt, etc."
