According to the Australian National University furphy has been around since 1915. That’s well over a hundred years. It means “a rumour or a false report: an absurd story”.

Although Australian soldiers in World War I are likely to have first started using the term furphy, it is now most commonly used by politicians or people discussing politics. I haven’t used it myself, but have definitely heard it being used numerous times in political contexts.

It’s a uniquely Australian term and is a great way to show that you have some doubts about the truthfulness of someone’s statement. Below is an example of how it can be used:

A: Do you think Ann was telling a furphy last night?
B: Nah, I think she was being fair dinkum.

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Glossary

rumour – a story or piece of news that may be true or invented and which is shared by many people

absurd – stupid and unreasonable, or silly in a way that makes you laugh

context – the situation within which something exists or happens, and that can help explain it

uniquely – in a way that is unusual or special in some way

doubt – (a feeling of) not being certain about something, especially about how good or true it is

truthfulness – the quality of being honest and not containing or telling any lies

nah [informal] – no