furphy

[ fur-fee ]

noun

, Australian.

, plural fur·phies.

1. a false report or improbable story; rumor.

furphy

¹

/ ˈfɜːfɪ /

noun

1. slang.
   a rumour or fictitious story

Furphy

²

/ ˈfɜːfɪ /

noun

1. 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)

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

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

Example Sentences

Det Supt Andy Furphy, whose team is leading the investigation, said officers are continuing their enquiries and continue to provide specialist support to those who have come forward.

From BBC

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, whose team is leading the investigation, said: "We have a team of dedicated officers providing specialist support to the women who have come forward."

From BBC

The need he fits: The Cavaliers have needs on the wings, and Furphy has a lot of potential as a shooter and scorer.

From Los Angeles Times

Furphy, who is from Australia, went on a dozen-game heater in the middle of the season during which he averaged 13.6 points on 54.3% / 39.6% / 78.4% percent shooting splits, putting him on NBA draft radars a little earlier than expected.

From Los Angeles Times

The bottom has dropped out in the last five games, though, with Furphy shooting just 27% from the field.

From Los Angeles Times