furphy

This uniquely Australian word is and most relevant on the eve of ANZAC Day.

The Furphy was a water cart made in Victoria in a foundry run by the Furphy family. The carts were used during WW1 to distribute drinking water to the troops.

In its language context, a 'furphy' is a rumour or unsubstantiated piece of information, or an entirely fictitious story. And, can you just see how the use of the word arose!

It is one of my favourites.

fossick

This word, uniquely from Australia and New Zealand, lends itself most generously to serious and humorous contexts.

Serious because, in its true sense, 'to fossick' is to dig for gold and precious stones in abandoned, deserted, remote places.

Light-hearted because we may choose to fossick for lost and mislaid items in our homes, places of work, cupboards and, without doubt, backyard sheds!

The word most likely arose from 'fussock', English dialect meaning 'to fuss'.

I'm sure you'll agree that its origin completes a glorious picture of the word.

beneficent

For some strange reason, when I hear or read this word, what comes to mind is the period of the Medici family's extensive influence in Italy and Europe.

Odd, because while the Medicis were generous with their wealth, doing much to advance culture and the arts, they were also splendid at intrigue and political game playing.

The term 'beneficent', carries within it the concepts of 'doing good' of 'kindness' and 'charitable acts'. And yes, in that context, the Medicis were benefactors.

capricious

This delightful word finds it source in caprice which draws its meaning from both French and Italian in the 17th Century.

The meaning is rich with story and includes sudden changes in behaviour and a shiver, as if one's hair is standing on end. The latter particularly from capo (head) plus riccio (hedgehog) which brings to mind the hedgehog's prickly spines which manifest when in danger or suspicion of attack.

Capricious is used as an adjective to capture impulsive, fickle changes in attitude or behaviour.

impostor or imposter?

Here is a delicious word that is full of meaning, intrigue and hints of unique story.  Currently, it can be spelt with an 'or' or an 'er'. Scrabble players - take advantage!

Used as a noun, it means someone who deceives others particularly via assuming a false identity.

It comes from the late Latin in 16th Century.  History shows that this was a time of great intrique, deception, political plotting and social and cultural upheaval across Europe.

How apt that the word entered the language at that time.