A Ruby Murray – or a Ruby, for short – is a well-known Cockney phrase for a curry. But why do we use this personal name to refer to the dish? And where do such phrases with names generally come from? Ruby Murray is not the only phrase in English that contains a name.

Legacy. Murray's popularity led to her name being adopted in Cockney rhyming slang as a rhyme for "curry". The phrase "have a ruby" appears in various episodes of the BBC TV comedy series Only Fools and Horses.

From a proper name. Etymon: proper name Ruby Murray. < Ruby Murray, the name of a Northern Irish singer (1935–96), rhyming slang for curry n.

The phrase Ruby Murray started to be used as cockney rhyming slang for curry in the 60s, inspired by a 1950's singer of the same name. It's also become synonymous with Irani cafe restaurant Dishoom, who have used the term Ruby Murray to describe its signature 'Chicken Ruby' curry dish since opening.