What is the source of the expression "OK"?

griffinj

This is a very hotly debated question (among those who debate these sorts of things) but the most popular explanation I've heard is that it came form a clerk's misspelling "oll kerect". However here is another: "During the Creek War the Choctaws, principally under the leadership of Pushmataha, not only sided with the Americans but contributed 500 men to Andrew Jackson's army (Niles 1-1-1824) - Although the Creek war was over, the Choctaw contingent would help the Americans in one last battle. In January, 1815, tradition has it that Pushmataha and his warriors, while serving under Andrew Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans, gave a lasting contribution to the English Language. During the battle, Jackson is said to have asked Pushmataha if the fight against the British was going well for the Choctaw detachment. Pushmataha supposedly answered with a Choctaw word which meant that things were all right. Jackson liked the word and began using it himself. The word was OK. According to the Dictionary of Word Origins, the favored source for the symbol OK ". . seems to be the Choctaw word OKEH, it is so" (Shipley). The use is also attributed to President Andrew Jackson among others." [Rufus Ward intimates it may have actually been Pushmataha's nephew who had this reported exchange with Jackson.] http://www.ebicom.net/~rsf1/ok.htm This source supports the first theory: http://www.pitara.com/discover/5wh/online.asp?story=178 Nov 20 03, 6:20 PM

devoxc

or perhaps who is the source: William Shakespeare 16th Century Nov 20 03, 6:30 PM

griffinj

Interesting, devoxc, any references? All of the sources I've found do agree on the date OK was first used in print; spring 1839. http://www.npr.org/programs/morning/features/patc/ok/index.html Nov 20 03, 6:42 PM

Hamlet.

Also, in 1840, Martin Van Buren was a Presidential canidate and he was nick-named "Old Kinderhook" - from his birthplace in New York state. Many believe the "Old Kinderhook" or "OK" starting being used at this time. http://www.m-w.com./whist/ok.htm Nov 20 03, 7:58 PM

satguru

There are many theories which were all on BBC Radio 4 'Word of mouth'earlier this year, which says though no one is 100% certain, their best theory was from a public school or college (US I think, so there it would be 'private') in the 19th century who had their own language, and it was roughly 'oll kreckt' which started as a joke, was picked up by others, and spread worldwide. I would have a job tracking down this source beyond the radio programme though. Nov 20 03, 9:35 PM