Why is something 'The Real McCoy'?
Question
When you go and buy your genuine Rolex watch, why is it the Real McCoy?Grant, Shepherd's Bush
Answer
** Joint Definitive **Name: Errol, Croydon
Qualification: I've listened to LBC since the 70s and this came up one night!
Answer: Back in the days of American prohibition, there was an entrepreneur called McCoy who had a big yacht who could sail to Cuba from Miami, where drinking was allowed and bring back lots of booze. When he sold it, instead of stuff brewed in a shed like Hooch and Moonshine, this was known as The Real McCoy.
** Joint Definitive **
Name: Robert, Wembley
Qualification: I went to a railway museum in Canada
Answer: Sorry, Errol wasn't right. The Real McCoy was a gentleman by the name of Arthur McCoy, who invented the dripcup, part of an oil machine. It enables engines to keep going without having to oil them. When they inspected train engines, inspectors used to ask "Is that the Real McCoy?"
(James O'Brien: I like both answers, but this one seems more likely)