STL All Sports

It seems odd that the expression "the real McCoy," meaning "the genuine article," is derived from the name of that most unusual and bizarre of boxing champions, Kid McCoy. The kid was mean and cruel in the ring, charming and attractive outside, a killer, lover, ex-convict, swindler, and finally a suicide in obscure circumstances. That's a lot of things for a great fighting champion to be, but Kid McCoy was all of them, and funny to boot. Take the origin of the expression referred to above. When McCoy was in retirement and running a saloon in midtown New York, a loud-mouthed drunk staggered into the place one evening, made the bar in two lurches and a leap, and landed next to a quietlooking chap.

"My name's Brown," he hiccuped. "What's yours?" "McCoy," answered the quiet man.

"The McCoy?" asked the lush. "You're a liar!"

After the guy was pried loose from a cuspidor, he came to his feet, a blissful smile on his battered face. "Wow!" he exclaimed. "I'll say you're the real McCoy!"