Methods and systems for improved categorization of queries are disclosed. In one aspect, a search query is received and determined to match a pattern having an uncategorized variable placeholder portion. In response to determining the search query matches the pattern, the pattern is used to identify a first portion of the search query based on the first portion of the search query corresponding to the uncategorized variable placeholder portion of the pattern. The search query is categorized by assigning, to the search query, a category associated with the first portion of the search query. Search results are generated for the search query using the category associated with the first portion of the search query.