1864. Eton School Days, ch. xvi., p. 203. ‘By Jove! I think I shall
fluke doing Verses; I should like to see Paddy drive tandem through
College,’ said Butler Burke.
To cut flukes out, verb. phr. (nautical).—To mutiny; to turn sulky and
disobedient.
To turn flukes, verb. phr. (nautical).—To go to bed; i.e., to bunk
(q.v.), or turn in.
Fluky, or Flukey, adj. (common).—Of the nature of a fluke (q.v.); i.e.,
achieved more by good luck than good guidance.
1882. Standard, 3 Sept. Bonnor got a Flukey three to square leg.
1891. Licensed Vict. Gazette, 20 March. Now, Grady was a smart
young Irishman who had thrashed Stevens twice in days gone by, and
had won a somewhat flukey victory over Young Norley.
Hence Flukiness = abounding in flukes.
1886. Ill. Sport. and Dram. News, 20 Feb., p. 579. There is no
flukiness about him: he makes his runs because he is an excellent
batsman, and takes his wickets because he is an excellent bowler.
Flummadiddle, subs. (American).—1. Nonsense; flummery (q.v.).