the genuine article; the person or thing as represented. From the
phrase the real
McCoy, which originated in Scotland as the real Mackay and referred to people and things of the highest
quality, and in
particular to a
brand of whiskey. Later, in America, the
phrase was used in
reference to an outstanding boxer by the name of
McCoy, retaining its
basic meaning of "the real thing."
—SHSBC Binder 27 Approved Glossary