The phrase is said to have originated in the late 19th century, when a Jamaican-born boxer named Norman Selby, better known as "Kid McCoy", became famous for his boxing skills. McCoy was known for his tough and aggressive fighting style, and he quickly gained a reputation as one of the best boxers in the world. As a result, his name became synonymous with quality and authenticity, and the phrase "the real McCoy" was born.
The phrase has been used ever since to describe anything that is genuine, authentic, or of the highest quality. It is a term of praise, and it is often used to describe something that is hard to find or that is highly sought after.
