furphy

English - English

Definition of furphy in English English dictionary

a rumour, or an erroneous or improbable story

{i} (Australian Slang) hearsay, rumor, far fetched gossip; false report

Hyphenation

fur·phy

Synonyms

scuttle-butt

Etymology

() The firm of Furphy and Sons (still in business today) manufactured and supplied water carts to the Australian Imperial Force in Egypt during World War I. Soldiers stood around these and talked, exchanging rumours and news. The manufacturer's name, which was emblazoned on the carts, was soon adopted for unreliable information or speculation. (Reference: The Lingo: Listening to Australian English, Graham Seal, University of New South Wales Press, 1999, ISBN 086840-680-5, page 59.)