Murphy

noun

Mur·​phy ˈmər-fē 

variants or Murphy game

: any of various confidence games

especially : one in which the victim pays money erroneously believing it to be 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

Phrases Containing Murphy

• Murphy bed
• Murphy's Law

Biographical Definition

Murphy

biographical name

Mur·​phy ˈmər-fē 

William Parry 1892–1987 American physician