ENGLISH
REFERENCE

quincy

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈkwɪnsi// quin·cy Archaic Humorous Slang

n. 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.


SIMPLE

Stop being such a quincy and let the doctor work.

CONTEXTUAL

After watching three seasons of a forensic drama, he became a total quincy, questioning every detail of the police report.

COMPLEX

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.

Origin

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.

Usage

Often used as a derogatory or humorous label for someone overstepping their expertise.

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