quincy
n. countablen. a person who acts like a medical expert or detective because they watch too many crime shows. It comes from an old TV show about a doctor who solved crimes.
n. a person who adopts a pedantic or overly analytical approach to medical or forensic matters, typically inspired by television dramas. Derived from the 1970s television series 'Quincy, M.E.'; used humorously to describe amateur sleuthing.
Stop being such a quincy and let the doctor work.
After watching three seasons of a forensic drama, he became a total quincy, questioning every detail of the police report.
The internet is full of self-appointed quincys who believe that a weekend of binge-watching true crime documentaries qualifies them to critique a professional autopsy report.
A Norman surname of Old French origin, from a place name Quincy or Quincey in France, ultimately from Latin Quintus (“fifth [born]”). Use in reference to toilets derives from President John Quincy Adams, who was the first to have one installed at the White House.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Often used as a derogatory or humorous label for someone overstepping their expertise.
Last updated May 6, 2026