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Idioms Explained

Viewing comments for Chapter 29 "The Real McCoy"
Fanstorians explain the backstory of idioms

29 total reviews 
Comment from Liz O'Neill
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You will have the reader's attention. You know they be wondering: "But do we really know where that idiom comes from?" I bet the reader was experimenting with pronunciations to imagine how this evolved.

 Comment Written 09-May-2022


reply by the author on 10-May-2022
    Thank you so much, Liz! I don't think we'll ever know. And it's okay. We can just pick our favorite. Hugs!
reply by Liz O'Neill on 11-May-2022
    ***fun***
Comment from Alaskastory
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"The Real McCoy" gives us such interesting information, especially about inventions by Elijah McCoy. During my childhood years I heard the expression used mostly by my dad and his brother. They always related it to car models or car parts.

 Comment Written 07-May-2022


reply by the author on 07-May-2022
    How interesting that they related it to car models/parts - that's closer to McCoy's inventions. Thank you for the review, Marie!! Hugs!
Comment from Annmuma
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What an interesting story! I have learned so much from posts. Oftentimes, it is subject that not reached a level of interest to me UNTIL I read your post. Then my book of knowledge was enhanced and increased because you did the work and I enjoyed the results. Thanks. ann

 Comment Written 07-May-2022


reply by the author on 07-May-2022
    Aww. Thank you for your kind words, Ann! Appreciate you! Hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day weekend! Hugs and blessings!
Comment from Pearl Edwards
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Interesting stories regarding this saying. I find the Scottish accent hard to decipher but, like you say, Elijah McCoy's story really fits the bill for this one. Thanks for sharing, Helen, enjoyed the read. Cheers Valda

 Comment Written 06-May-2022


reply by the author on 07-May-2022
    Thank you for the great review, Valda!! Hugs!
Comment from jessizero
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Thank you for sharing this informative and entertaining piece here. I love your nonfiction posts. Keep up the good work, and the best of wishes to you.

 Comment Written 05-May-2022


reply by the author on 05-May-2022
    Thank you, Jess! It was interesting to learn about this inventor.
    Hugs and blessings!
Comment from Judy Lawless
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Thanks for introducing us to the possible meanings of another well-known idiom, Helen. I like the ones from Scotland, and can understand how the accent could turn the word into what we know. But I agree with you - the one who should get the credit is Elijah McCoy, another brilliant black mn.

 Comment Written 05-May-2022


reply by the author on 07-May-2022
    Thank you so much, Judy! And kudos to Canada for welcoming refugees from that slavery era as well as many Hawaiians who could not get citizenship in the US in the 19th century! Hugs!
reply by Judy Lawless on 07-May-2022
    You're most welcome, Helen.
Comment from Janice Canerdy
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In this skillfully put-together piece, you have used numerous specific examples to identify the various "takes" on where this popular expression came from. I've used it many times--not really knowing its origin! I agree that the brilliant Elijah McCoy deserves credit, partly because of the fiery hoops he had to jump through to succeed!

 Comment Written 05-May-2022


reply by the author on 07-May-2022
    Yes, that makes me admire him more for all the obstacles he overcame. Thanks so much, Janice! Hugs and blessings on your weekend!!
Comment from Sally Law
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What a wonderful man and inventor. He must've had a high IQ to come up with such interesting things. Thank you for this wonderful introduction to Elijah McCoy. Sending you my best today as always,
Sal XOs

 Comment Written 04-May-2022


reply by the author on 05-May-2022
    Thank you so much, Sally! Hope you are feeling much better now. Hugs!
reply by Sally Law on 06-May-2022
    You are most welcome, dear. I am feeling better and hopefully cured soon. Thank you for your prayers. Sal XOs
reply by the author on 06-May-2022
    💖💖😊🙏
Comment from Carolyn Dooley
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Thank you for sharing this interesting story. One I have never heard about. He was a very intelligent gentleman. Was he too young to work in MIchigan? He had a certificate. He was the real McCoy to me. Thank you for sharing the distinguished Mr. McCoy's picture and his delightful story.

 Comment Written 04-May-2022


reply by the author on 04-May-2022
    Thank you, Carolyn. It wasn't his age but his race that prevented him from being employed in his field of expertise. It was interesting to learn about him and how much he overcame in his time.
    Blessings!
reply by Carolyn Dooley on 04-May-2022
    That's sad. And you are welcome.
Comment from royowen
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I must agree with you, it somehow has more value in the hands of an African-American than a Scotch whiskey. I love these word origins, it still leaves on wondering no matter what anyway, heh heh. Blessings written Helen, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 03-May-2022


reply by the author on 03-May-2022
    Thank you so much, Roy! We are blessed to find out even if so many years later. Hugs and blessings!
reply by royowen on 04-May-2022
    That's right