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.

nimble

As children, we learn some wonderful words without even realising the value that lives within them.

Do you recall the nursery rhyme, 'Jack be nimble, Jack be quick, Jack jump over the candlestick'?
The picture I remember is of a small boy with an eager expression on his face taking a run up to tall candlestick holding a lighted candle. The idea of him leaping over this candlestick was relatively daunting.


Nimble implies physical speed as well as dexterity, agility, skill at a specific task. It can also be applied to mental ability; as an alert, acute thinker and listener.

It originates from the Old English and holds three closely related concepts within the word. The source is the Old English verb 'niman' - to take which evolved into 'naeme' (quick to grasp) and numol (quick at seizing). 

All of these attributes were as relevant in those times and they are today.  Enjoy using the word!

Mire

Here is another apt, direct short word, one that can serve as a noun and a verb.

It finds it source in Old Norse and was first used in English in the late Middle Ages.

As a noun, the word means a marshy or boggy area of ground; a place where one is likely to become stuck in the mud and grime. Yes, dirt, mud and muck are clearly associated with mire.

As a verb, it means to become bogged or stuck in mud. It is a handy word to use if you need a metaphor for being bogged down in or by specific circumstances.


Look out for more four-letter words in future posts!