A "furphy" is Australian slang for a rumour, tall tale, or an absurd story that is widely circulated but ultimately untrue. The term's origin is traced back to World War I, where water and sanitation carts made by the Furphy family's foundry were common around military camps. These carts became gathering spots for soldiers, and the conversations held there often led to the spread of exaggerated and often false stories. Thus, any improbable or dubious rumour became known as a "furphy." Today, the word is still commonly used in Australia and evokes a sense of lighthearted skepticism.
