fossick

[prettygoodword]

fossick - v., to search for gold or gemstones by reworking washings or waste piles; to search about, rummage.


Chiefly Australia and New Zealand, but from English dialect meaning to find out, dig up, and I first encountered it in a Trollope novel. I use it mainly in the expanded sense, to ferret about.

Kicking off a theme week of Nifty Effs.

---L.

Comments

[nugirlontheblok.livejournal.com]

Oh, an Aussie one I actually know, and use! I'm always fossicking about :)

[prettygoodword.livejournal.com]

I use it occassionally, in the sense of "puttering about to purpose." If I'm looking for something specific, I'm usually ferretting out or, if there's a container involved, rooting through it.

Yes, I know that'll make you Aussies snicker.

---L.

[nugirlontheblok.livejournal.com]

Hmmm, no comment! Well, unless you'd like me to make the 'wombat' one!!!

[prettygoodword.livejournal.com]

More snickery: For many years, my handle was Wombatty. I only finally shed it when I came to LJ.

---L.

[nugirlontheblok.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you 'got' it!! 'Wombatty'? My, my! ;P