[chris (OP)]

Just wondering if anyone knows where the expression The Real McCoy comes from ?

Chris

"I never forget a face, but in your case I'll make an exception"
 - Groucho Marx

[Quantumcat]

The expression comes from an African inventor called Elijah McCoy who invented stuff for regulating oil flow into industrial machinery. People were so impressed with it that inspectors inspecting safety in factories asked them if they used "the real McCoy" Elijah McCoy lived from 1844 to 1929, and lived most of his life in the U.S., Detroit I believe.

Am I dead? Am I alive? I'm both!

[Donnah]

That's interesting, I was wondering where the expression originated too.

[chris (OP)]

Thanks for clearing that up Quantum - and there was me thinking it came from a bag of crisps...

Chris

"I never forget a face, but in your case I'll make an exception"
 - Groucho Marx

[Broca]

Mr. McCoys first invention was the lubricator for the steam engine in 1872 The term "real McCoy" does stem from this invention.The device regulates the oil into moving parts of industrial machines. The lawn sprinkler and the ironing board were also among his 57 patents.

[george]

so did he also invent "Real McCoys" crisps ?

[Exodus]

quote:Originally posted by george

so did he also invent "Real McCoys" crisps ?

Not bothered who invented them, they're well nice! Especially the chilli ones!

Resident Tour Operator - The Naked Scientists

[Ace]

Living here in the states.. I feel I'm missing out on something..  Real McCoys Chili crisps??  I  wonder where I could find them..
As a marketing ploy, they should have tidbits of bio info for Elijah McCoy on every bag..[]

www.ambientnoize.iphhost.com  Where polite conversation ends....

[MissMontana]

That's cleared that one up but who was Gordon Bennett?

[Ray hinton]

James gordon bennet 2nd,is said to have flown a plane through a barn, onlookers said that was gordon bennet and it stuck,
did i do okay ma? did i? did i?

every village has one !