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Cockney Rhyming Slang

Why is curry called Ruby Murray?

by Gordon 30. October 2009 08:23

Dawn asks:

"Can anyone tell me where the term ruby murray (meaning curry) came from, as my brothers unfortunate enough to have a name that sounds a lot like ruby murray so ive been wondering bout this for years!"

Ruby Murray is classic Cockney Rhyming Slang for curry. I can tell you that around these parts "going out for a Ruby" is a most popular pastime. That's probably why there are so many Indian restaurants in London called simply "The Ruby".

Ruby Murray was a popular singer in the 40s and 50s. There is a web site dedicated to her: http://www.rubymurray.org/

I wonder though if her name lives on through Cockney Rhyming Slang more than in does through her music?

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11/28/2009 10:40:43 AM #

Dominic Adams

About 20 years ago Ruby Murray appeared on the bill at the Brick Lane Music Hall. As any Londoner will tell you, Brick lane is the 'capital' of curry, certainly in London, perhaps in the whole of Britain. The local Bangladeshi/Bangali community is so large that Tower Hamlets Council have renamed the whole area 'Banglatown'. She was interviewed by the local press, and asked how she felt about her name being synonymous with Indian food, and she expressed herself as being delighted!

Dominic Adams United Kingdom |

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Cockney Rhyming Slang - London's Famous Secret Language
Cockney Rhyming Slang - London's Famous Secret Language