The Real McCoy

[wyrfoa]

Where did the term the 'Real McCoy' originate from?

[Quizmonster]

Click http://www.randomhouse.com/wotd/index.pperl?date=2
0010606 for the answer.

[WaldoMcFroog]

Another candidate which often seems to be missing in such articles is a chap called Elijah McCoy, a black mechanic who developed a method of lubricating steam engines without them being brought into the workshop - his version worked as they travelled. This was in 1872. Sadly it seems racism is responsible for this ingenious chap being written out of history. More here: http://www.goodolddaysonline.com/pages/stories/rea
l_mccoy.html

[Blender]

The answer that's known throughout the spirit industry is that this was the name of a notorious smuggler who was famous throughout prohibition. Based in the Bahamas he sailed a ketch? filled with scotch, gin etc., anchored outside the 3 mile limit and sold the booze on to the gansters. If it was "The Real MacCoy" it was real and not made in the bathtub.