My word today is chuffed. According to my weighty tome, The New Oxford Dictionary of English, it originated in the 1950s from chuff meaning plump or pleased.
It’s a word I love and associate with The Midlands/ North of England rather than the south. The saying, I’m dead chuffed, or right chuffed sums up its meaning of being pleased.
Do you have a word or phrase meaning you’re pleased where you live? I’d love to hear from you.
With my first children’s book due for publication on 28th April 2026, my first Flaunt it Friday is about The Clocker. I have wanted to write a book for children since the age of 11. As I’m now 67, it’s taken a while!
The Clocker tells the story of Nev and his favourite hen, The Clocker. Blurb:
Nev’s life stinks. His mother left, and he lives with his Dad, who is a bit weird. The school bully, Kez, is making his life a misery.
The best things in Nev’s life are his five hens, especially his favourite, The Clocker. He can talk to her, and she understands.
After struggling to find something to write for a poetry competition, Nev decides on a poem about The Clocker. He is chosen to represent his school and read his poem at the Regional Schools’ Poetry Festival.
On the downside, the poem ramps up the bullying. Will Nev ever gain the confidence to stand up to Kez?
The book is for ‘middle grade’ readers (age 8-12) and can be pre-ordered at:
https://troubador.co.uk/author/liz-mackenzie
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Clocker-Liz-Mackenzie/dp/1806341719
https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-clocker/liz-mackenzie/9781806341719
https://www.tgjonesonline.co.uk/Product/Liz-Mackenzie/The-Clocker/15907156
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