real McCoy
The genuine thing, neither a substitute nor an imitation.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“This watch is the real McCoy, not a cheap copy.”
“You can tell this leather jacket is the real McCoy by the smell.”
“He claims he is a professional chef, but is he the real McCoy?”
“The jeweler confirmed that the diamond was the real McCoy and not a synthetic stone.”
“I thought the online course would be a scam, but the certificate turned out to be the real McCoy.”
“Many restaurants serve frozen seafood, but this place catches their fish daily so it is the real McCoy.”
“While many musicians use computer software to fix their voices, this singer performs without any effects to prove she is the real McCoy.”
“After years of searching for an authentic antique, the collector was relieved to find that the painting was indeed the real McCoy.”
first recorded 19th c. folk etymology
Corruption of Scots the real MacKay, this latter attested in 1856 as “A drappie o’ the real MacKay” (A drop of the real MacKay). How “MacKay” became “McCoy” is unclear; first attested in the form “McCoy” in the US in 1908. The term is the subject of many folk etymologies, discussed at the Wikipedia entry.
- 01
for real and for true
Genuinely; truly.
- 02
in a real state
Synonym of in a right state.
- 03
keep it real
In the imperative, an exhortation used as a departing salutation.
- 04
real deal
A thing or person that is genuine, authentic, or worthy of serious regard.
- 05
real live
Authentic and indisputably present.
- 06
real quick
quickly, right away
- 07
will the real someone please stand up
A request for the real person or thing to be identified from among others that are similar.
Last updated August 10, 2026