Murphy

noun

Mur·​phy ˈmər-fē How to pronounce Murphy (audio)
variants or Murphy game
: any of various confidence games
especially : one in which the victim believes he is paying for sex
—usually used with the

Word History

Etymology

from the common Irish surname Murphy; after a real or fictional person ("Miss Murphy") playing a role in such a game, either a sex worker acting as a lure or an accomplice

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Murphy was in 1954

Phrases Containing Murphy

Dictionary Entries Near Murphy

muron

Murphy

Murphy's Law

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Murphy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Murphy. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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Biographical Definition

Murphy

biographical name

Mur·​phy ˈmər-fē How to pronounce Murphy (audio)
William Parry 1892–1987 American physician
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