# McCoy

/məˈkɔɪ/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mccoy
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. the genuine article

noun · CEFR C2 · Informal

the real or original thing, rather than a cheap copy or imitation.

For teachers: the authentic or genuine version of something; typically used in the fixed phrase 'the real McCoy'.

- The leather on this bag feels so soft—I think it's the real McCoy.
- After years of collecting replicas, he finally managed to acquire an original 1960s amplifier that was the real McCoy.

Usage: Almost always used as part of the noun phrase 'the real McCoy'.

Teaching tip: This is a common idiom for B2+ learners to recognize, though they should be careful not to use 'McCoy' on its own to mean 'real'.

## Examples

- This vintage watch is the real McCoy.
- After trying several cheap knock-offs, he was thrilled to finally find a pair of boots that were the real McCoy.
- While many modern reproductions capture the aesthetic of the era, collectors are only interested in instruments that are the real McCoy, complete with original hardware and finish.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.