What is the real meaning of OK ?

Answer 1

O.K. here we go:

OK = Abbreviation of oll korrect, slang respelling of all correct.


Word History: OK is a quintessentially American term that has spread from English to many other languages. Its origin was the subject of scholarly debate for many years until Allen Walker Read showed that OK is based on a joke of sorts. OK is first recorded in 1839 but was probably in circulation before that date. During the 1830s there was a humoristic fashion in Boston newspapers to reduce a phrase to initials and supply an explanation in parentheses. Sometimes the abbreviations were misspelled to add to the humor. OK was used in March 1839 as an abbreviation for all correct, the joke being that neither the O nor the K was correct. Originally spelled with periods, this term outlived most similar abbreviations owing to its use in President Martin Van Buren's 1840 campaign for reelection. Because he was born in Kinderhook, New York, Van Buren was nicknamed Old Kinderhook, and the abbreviation proved eminently suitable for political slogans. That same year, an editorial referring to the receipt of a pin with the slogan O.K. had this comment: "frightful letters ... significant of the birth-place of Martin Van Buren, old Kinderhook, as also the rallying word of the Democracy of the late election, 'all correct' .... Those who wear them should bear in mind that it will require their most strenuous exertions ... to make all things O.K."

Answer 2

"O.K." is the abbreviation (spelled correctly) of the Greek expression, Ola Kala (Ολα Καλά, ΟΚ) It is a standard expression in Greece that simply means: "Everything's fine". Some teachers still use it to mark good school papers.

The abbreviation "OK" was informally used to communicate the "All's well!" (with light or other means) with shore or other ships. Also, for the Captain of a ship, hearing the Ola Kala was a quick way to take stock of a situation. OK did not however signify acquiescence to a command, as in: -"Do this!" -"OK!" The expression En Taxe, meaning "in order" would have been used in that case.

OK was also marked on shipping crates after inspection to signify that everything in them was all right. It is possible that port communities worldwide came in contact with "O.K." thusly. Throughout history, the Greek presence on the seas has been disproportionately large compared to the size of the country. The current (2006) Greek merchant fleet, for example, is larger than both US and Japanese fleets combined.

Answer 3

WORD HISTORY:
OK is a quintessentially American term that has spread from English to many other languages. Its origin was the subject of scholarly debate for many years until Allen Walker Read showed that OK is based on a joke of sorts. OK is first recorded in 1839 but was probably in circulation before that date. During the 1830s there was a humoristic fashion in Boston newspapers to reduce a phrase to initials and supply an explanation in parentheses. Sometimes the abbreviations were misspelled to add to the humor. OK was used in March 1839 as an abbreviation for all correct, the joke being that neither the O nor the K was correct. Originally spelled with periods, this term outlived most similar abbreviations owing to its use in President Martin Van Buren's 1840 campaign for reelection. Because he was born in Kinderhook, New York, Van Buren was nicknamed Old Kinderhook, and the abbreviation proved eminently suitable for political slogans. That same year, an editorial referring to the receipt of a pin with the slogan O.K. had this comment: "frightful letters ... significant of the birth-place of Martin Van Buren, old Kinderhook, as also the rallying word of the Democracy of the late election, 'all correct' .... Those who wear them should bear in mind that it will require their most strenuous exertions ... to make all things O.K."

Answer 4

Someone told me that it was old english for ol korect (all correct). I guess it was abbreviated and evolved to mean something you agree with. I'm not sure if that is right it's not a bad explanation.

Answer 5

It was originally GOK which stood for God only knows. In an effort to keep religion out of it the G was dropped!

Answer 6

I always thought it was just short for "Okay"

The word "okay" is currently the single-most-used word on Earth, owing to its common employment in a vast number of cultures and languages.

Answer 7

guys guys!!!! keep ur imagination to u. OK means= Ola Kala (greek that means eveything is good..ok) and it always existed!!!not keep imagine u english ppl!

Answer 8

OK - Means i agree!!!
everything is alright!!!

Answer 9

Alright, sounds good,

It is really just saying "I agree"

Answer 10

OK= todo bien, de acuerdo (Spanish)