McCoy

American  

[muh-koi] / məˈkɔɪ /

noun

1. Usually the McCoy or the real McCoy the genuine thing or person as promised, stated, or implied.

   Those other paintings are copies, but this one is the McCoy.

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McCoy ¹ British  

/ məˈkɔɪ /

noun

1. slang the genuine person or thing (esp in the phrase the real McCoy )

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McCoy ² British  

/ məˈkɔɪ /

noun

1. Tony, full name Anthony Peter McCoy. born 1974, Northern Irish national hunt jockey: champion jockey every season since 1995/96

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Etymology

Origin of McCoy

First recorded in 1880–85; also Mackay, McKie, the clear McCoy (of liquor); of uncertain origin; hypothesized identifications with Mackay, a Scottish clan, and Kid McCoy, nickname of U.S. boxer Norman Selby (1873–1940), are unsubstantiated

Compare meaning

How does mccoy compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• Hatfield vs. McCoy

Example Sentences

In “The Getaway”—filmed twice for the big screen—Doc and Carol McCoy conclude their escape hiding in caves, then a hut made of dung, before they end up in the infernal domain of El Rey.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

The Trailblazers opened a 19-point lead in the fourth quarter behind McCoy, who finished with 20 points while making eight of 10 shots.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2026

Sierra Canyon defeated Santa Margarita 72-60 behind 23 points and 10 rebounds from Brandon McCoy.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 8, 2026

Martinsen finished with 18 points, Brandon McCoy had 13 points and Maxi Adams had 12 points.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2026

As he and McCoy walked to the far end of the gym, out of earshot, Evan and Ian gave identical exaggerated shudders.

From "Made You Up" by Francesca Zappia