What does the abbreviation OK stand for?Are O and K the first letters of some words?

Answer 1

[Abbreviation of oll korrect, slang respelling of all correct.]

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

The historical record shows that O.K. appeared as an abbreviation for oll korrect (a conscious misspelling of "all correct") in Boston newspapers in 1839, and was reinterpreted as "Old Kinderhook" in the 1840 United States presidential election.

Answer 3

OK is the abbreviation for the word Okay.

OK is also the abbreviation for the USA State of Oklahoma.

Answer 4

OK is the abbreviation of the word okay.

Answer 5

Being originally from Oklahoma, I feel inclined to answer this question as OK is the postal abbreviation of Oklahoma. Also, It is the generally accepted substitute for spelling out "okay." Unless, of course, there is more context around the usuage of the word instead of simple agreement as I'm taking it to mean. O & K don't stand for anything.

Answer 6

That's a very good question... in fact, no one knows.

This website http://www.miketodd.net/encyc/okay.htm lists over 25 theories on the origin of OK.

Now, I personally immediately wanted to know the etymologists' point of view, and I'm sure there are linguophiles who will read this question who feel that way too. The website actually made a statement that's quite interesting for a linguist:

"Unfortunately, etymologists and word-lovers alike seem to have an innate desire to have a single point of origin for words. If they're unable to find that, they like to see clearly defined lines of evolution. My own view is that many words and phrases arise, not from single sources, but through my own theory of "coincidental coinage", where many disparate uses have occurred but which are brought together by some single act."

Food for thought. That the development from a single point of origin could be found by a diligent etymologist was my first thought, but this person puts forth an interesting hypothesis.

That's one of the beauties of Linguistics-- it is a changing, growing, learning science.

Answer 7

it's just an abbreviated way of saying the word ''okay'' okay is a way of saying yes to something or you can say sure or alright.

Answer 8

No OK are th first letters of the word Okay.

Answer 9

The term began as a facetious misspelling for all correct (oll korrect) in Boston newspapers in the spring of 1839.

Answer 10

the first 2 letters of okay?