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Unfortunately, this is one of those puzzling questions without a definitive answer. A number of different theories attempt to explain the origin of the phrase. Two of the most popular theories revolve around alcohol. One suggests that the original saying was "the real MacKay," an advertising slogan that appeared in 1856 for a Scottish whiskey. Eventually, this saying supposedly evolved to "the real McCoy" in the United States. The second alcohol-related theory poses that Bill McCoy was a bootlegger in the U.S. during Prohibition. Hence real booze became known as
"the real McCoy." Others claim the saying refers to Elijah McCoy, an engineer born in 1844. He invented the self-regulating lubricator, which revolutionized the industrial machine and railroad industry. Because his product was so reliable and many inferior products were produced, buyers of the lubricator would ask, "Is this the real McCoy?" Yet another explanation centers on welterweight boxer Norman Selby, also known as "Kid McCoy." Reportedly, a blow from the boxer left one victim proclaiming, "It's the real McCoy!" Although these are the most oft-repeated, they are by no means the only possibilities.
Chances are we'll never know the origin of this curious expression for certain so pick your favorite story and make your case.
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