Wurzel-Flummery

When that inveterate cynic, _Anthony Clifton_, made a will (it is not Mr. MILNE'S fault that, since he wrote his play before going out to the Front, we have had two others turning on eccentric bequests) leaving £50,000 each to two perfect strangers on the condition that they adopted the preposterous name of Wurzel-Flummery, he hoped to have the grim satisfaction of witnessing, from the grave, an exhibition of human weakness.

Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 152, April 18, 1917 Various

By accepting the fifty thousand pounds he would gain something in the public eye; by assuming the name of Wurzel-Flummery he would lose something.

Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 152, April 18, 1917 Various

When Milne was serving in the War he was very late on parade one day -- not a unique occurence, for he admits to being a very unsoldierly soldier-and as he ran on to the barrack square buttoning up his tunic, he suddenly thought of the words Wurzel-Flummery.

The Future of the Legitimate Theatre 1932

He wrote it in much the same way that A.A. Milne wrote his play, Wurzel-Flummery.

The Future of the Legitimate Theatre 1932

WURZEL-FLUMMERY: Of two men offered a good-sized fortune by a will provided they will adopt Wurzel-Flummery in place of their own more satisfactory surnames, and of their decision.

The Atlantic Book of Modern Plays Eugene O'Neill 1920

You and Mr. Meriton were to be the first, the founders of the clan, the designers of the Wurzel-Flummery sporran --

First Plays 1919

He wanted a humorous name -- a name he could roll lovingly round his tongue -- a name expressing a sort of humorous contempt -- Wurzel-Flummery!

First Plays 1919

It's got to appear in the papers, "A marriage has been arranged between Miss Viola Wurzel-Flummery ..." and everybody will say, "And about time too, poor girl."

First Plays 1919

Oh, but surely if we have to call ourselves Wurzel-Flummery it would count as _earned_ income.

First Plays 1919

You may like or dislike the name of -- ah -- Wurzel-Flummery, but you can't get away from the fact that fifty thousand pounds is not to be sneezed at.

First Plays 1919