The etymology of "OK"

Status
Not open for further replies.

SirGod

Member
Joined
Feb 26, 2010
Location
Romania
Member Type
Interested in Language
Native Language
Romanian
Home Country
Romania
Current Location
Romania
I think I have just come across a great, controversial topic. As far as I know, the etymology of the word 'OK' has not reached a consensus yet, and it probably never will.

It seems that Oxford goes for the 'oll korrect' version (to me it seems the most plausible, credible) (link). However, this explanation (link) seems plausible, too.

So, what do you think?
 

5jj

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Oct 14, 2010
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
British English
Home Country
Czech Republic
Current Location
Czech Republic
I go for the Scottish "och aye" version.
 

Tdol

No Longer With Us (RIP)
Staff member
Joined
Nov 13, 2002
Native Language
British English
Home Country
UK
Current Location
Japan
Many explanations seem plausible- it's strange that one of the commonest words is a mystery.
 

BobK

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 29, 2006
Location
Spencers Wood, near Reading, UK
Member Type
Retired English Teacher
Native Language
English
Home Country
UK
Current Location
UK
I think I may have contributed to the confusion - in this forum. I won't do it again :oops: ;-), but I suspect I may in the past have averred with confidence that it was a convention used by radio operators. I don't know where I got this idea, and think I should 'fess up' to avoid any embarrassment if someone finds it!

b
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top