Do you tell furphies?

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Have you heard the term ‘telling a furphy’ or is it another phrase that is only heard in Australia? It means to tell a fib or a ‘tall story’ (exaggerated account). Its basis is very interesting. John Furphy established a foundry at Shepparton, Victoria in 1864, producing from the 1880s a steel and cast iron water tank. These were produced in 180 and 250 gallon models (681 and 946 litres) and revolutionised the carting of water for both domestic and livestock use. Previously water was carted in wooden barrels on the backs of wagons. In 1896, John Furphy recognised the value of advertising and added raised lettering to the cast iron tank-ends to highlight his company products. The company’s slogan was ‘Good, better, best – never let it rest, until your good is better and your better is best’. (I always want to say ‘until your good is gooder’ ) During World War I, these tanks were utilised on the battle-fields and were often stationed near latrines. They became focal points as gathering places for soldiers, much like the office coffee-dispenser, and gossip was passed on away from the ears of the officers. Hungry for news, any little items of news were embellished and adorned. So the term ‘furphy’ came into common usage.