Definitions For Furphy

Noun

FURPHY (plural furphies) (Australia, slang) A rumour, or an erroneous or improbable story.

Synonyms

scuttlebutt

Alternative forms

furfie

Etymology

From Furphy, , a surname.
The firm of (still in business today) manufactured and supplied water carts to the w:first australian imperial force, 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. The Lingo: Listening to Australian English, Graham Seal, , 1999, , page 59.