In the legend of the bitter feud between the Hatfields and McCoys, a bloodline offspring of the McCoy's was the real McCoy. A child born from parents consisting of one Hatfield and one McCoy was not a real McCoy.
Therefore anything that is not genuine is not the real McCoy.
Therefore anything that is not genuine is not the real McCoy.
by ekks September 24, 2010
During the prohibition era, many people became ill or even were killed due to poisonous home-made alcoholic mixtures known as "hooch" or "shine" (short for moonshine). A rumrunner/bootlegger named McCoy had a good three year run using a ship to import genuine alcohol to the united states, and became famous for carrying only the highest quality liquors. His cargo became referred to as the "Real McCoy", and the term became a common way of inquireing as to the authenticity of liquor products, and is commonly used today to inquire as to the authenticity of just about anything. McCoy was intercepted and arrested by the U.S. Coast Guard in 1923.
Is that the "real McCoy"?
by HeliAV8R January 11, 2011
William S. (Bill) McCoy was a bootlegger known for selling top quality liquor that was not watered down, i.e. the "real McCoy".
by Rick Bailey August 22, 2006
The Real McCoy. A term used by influential people when they meet a non- influential person and discovers within a few minutes that this person is Real, as in should be very influential and if given the opportunity should be rewarded as such. Qualifies as an elite.
I attended a job interview, and the first question the Managing Director asks is, " Where would you like to be in this company in the next five years". A very quick reply from Brian was, " Sitting on the other side of this desk". The M.D. replied, " Mate, your the Real McCoy, when do you want to start".
by Brian Young June 22, 2023
by thegreatestt December 28, 2005
Real deal.
Oilers on early trains had to be oiled to stop friction on the drive wheels. Oilers always failed... except the McCoy brand and they became known as the best and 'the real McCoy'
Oilers on early trains had to be oiled to stop friction on the drive wheels. Oilers always failed... except the McCoy brand and they became known as the best and 'the real McCoy'
These appear to be the real McCoy.
by RC November 10, 2003