What the heck? What kind of a word is this? It sounds like the name of a Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show winner.
“Here, Lord Bumfuzzle, let’s trim the fluff before the talent portion!”
photo by Blackoranges via Wikimedia Commons
Well, if you’re confused, you’re not far off from the actual description.
Origin: Bumfuzzle comes from bum-, an expressive prefix, perhaps to be identified with the initial syllable of bamboozle, and fuzzle “to confuse,” perhaps expressive alteration of fuddle. It’s been used in English since around 1900.
Definitions for bumfuzzle
“This holyfied lady’s jest tryin’ to bumfuzzle us.”
– Joan Hess, Mischief in Maggody, 1988
“This is an attempt to bumfuzzle,” said the President.
– William Safire, “On Language: The Way We Live Now,” New York Times Magazine, November 14, 1999
In the Aug/Sept issue of MaryJanesFarm, “On the Sunny Side,” I led you here to my daily journal for a chance to win some special giveaways. Following, you’ll find the winners of all four giveaways. Thank you to all who participated by leaving comments, and stay tuned for more giveaways in each issue of MaryJanesFarm. If you’re not yet a subscriber to MaryJanesFarm, subscribe here for $19.95/year.
——
The winner of my “Liquid Sunshine, On the Sunny Side” giveaway is Cecile Clausen, who left this comment in response to “Tell me your favorite cleaning tip.” (302 comments!)
“Often! Always stay on top of it. I would love to try your Liquid Sunshine Vermont Soap! I love MaryJanesFarm magazine!”
——
The winner of my “Coola, On the Sunny Side” giveaway is Libby Blaha, who left this comment in response to “Tell me about your summer-in-the-sun plans.” (242 comments!)
“My summer-in-the-sun plan is spending time in my yard and garden, trying to keep up with the mowing and weeding, along with getting ready for fall gardening. Actually, very relaxing!!”
——
The winner of my “Milk Cow Kitchen, On the Sunny Side” giveaway is Cheryl Wolfgang, who left this comment in response to “Tell me how MaryJanesFarm has helped you realize your farm dreams.” (285 comments!)
“Thank you for a great magazine. I enjoy it so much! I grew up near Moscow Mountain on a farm, and love the area. We had a jersey cow back then; loved the milk and we made our own butter. I have lived in Pennsylvania now for many years. I’d like to have a jersey cow again. Right now, I have dairy goats, and I’d like to make cheeses.”
——
The winner of my “Chocolate, On the Sunny Side” giveaway is Eileen M Stone, who left this comment in response to “Tell me how you feel when you eat chocolate.” (334 comments!)
“When I eat chocolate, I feel happy and loved. It’s like a hug from the inside out!”
——
Thank you to the over 1,100 women who responded with such thoughtful comments! If you’re one of our winners, keep an eye out for an e-mail from the farm.
Buy props used in MaryJane’s books and magazine!
5% of profits will benefit www.firstbook.org, a non-profit that provides new books to children from low-income families throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Here’s how:
MaryJane will post a photo and a description of a prop and its cost along with a few details as to its condition here: https://shop.maryjanesfarm.org/MaryJanesCurations. It’s a playful way to be the new owner of a little bit of farm herstory.
