The history of O.K.

[Tone]

Hi all....

Think many used to be wonder the same that why we use "O.K" when we want to say that everything is ok. What does it exactly mean? I just stopped by the good website today and wanna share with you.

http://www.kinglishschool.com/history_ok.htm

[RonBee]

Say first used, not firstly used.

<<However, the O.K. should be forgotten over time as same as other words if it was not used in the US Presidential Election campaign of Martin Van Buren.>>

However, "OK" would have been forgotten over time had it not been used in the campaign for U.S. President of Martin Van Buren.

[RonBee]

<<The popularity of O.K. is widely sperad out and continue until present.>>

The popularity of "OK" is widespread.

Indeed, it has been said that "OK" is one of three English words that is used universally. Can you tell me what the other two are?

[RonBee]

<<Even though he lost in the election but it brought a big popularity to the word O.K. >>

Even though he lost the election it brought it a big popularity to the word OK.

[JACOOL]

Originally Posted by Tone

Hi all....

Think many used to be wonder the same that why we use "O.K" when we want to say that everything is ok. What does it exactly mean? I just stopped by the good website today and wanna share with you.

http://www.kinglishschool.com/history_ok.htm

very intersesting

[zoobinshid]

Very nice,but I`m still thinking about those three words?One is (ok) the second and the third one should be (Hello , Hi) and (Good bye, Bye).Am I right?

[Harry Smith]

I think the most used three english words are: OK, yes and no.

[BobK]

Originally Posted by RonBee

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.
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However, "OK" would have been forgotten over time had it not been used in the campaign for U.S. President of Martin Van Buren.

When was that election? Did it pre-date the show Oklahoma! This pun (on the abbreviation for the state) makes 'OK' pretty memorable:

"We're doing fine, Oklahoma -
Oklahoma OK"

b

[BobK]

Nah, forget Rodgers and Hammerstein. I looked up MVB: 'the eighth President of the United States (1837-1841)'

b

[rewboss]

Originally Posted by RonBee

Indeed, it has been said that "OK" is one of three English words that is used universally. Can you tell me what the other two are?

The only one I know of that is in any way universal is "taxi". For the third, various words are suggested, including "hallelujah", "amen" (which are originally Hebrew, not English, and not used in all cultures anyway), and "Coca-Cola" (which is a brand name so doesn't really count).