Advertisement
Advertisement
furphy
[ fur-fee ]
Furphy
1/ ˈfɜːfɪ /
noun
- FurphyJoseph18431912MAustralianWRITING: author Joseph , pen name Tom Collins . 1843–1912, Australian author. His works include the classic Australian novel Such is Life (1903) and The Buln-Buln and the Brolga (1948)
furphy
2/ ˈfɜːfɪ /
noun
- slang.a rumour or fictitious story
Discover More
Word History and Origins
Origin of furphy1
First recorded in 1910–15; after Furphy carts, water and rubbish carts manufactured by the Furphy family of Shepparton, Victoria, and used during World War I; compare parallel semantic development of scuttlebutt
Discover More
Word History and Origins
Origin of furphy1
C20: from Furphy carts (used for water or sewage in World War I), made at a foundry established by the Furphy family
Advertisement
Word of the Day
[tawr-choo-uhs ]
Meaning and examplesStart each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!
By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Browse