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Forums Open House, Open Mouth, Open Call Origin of the acronym OK

Origin of the acronym OK

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11:41PM
Aug-24-08


dblaine

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I recently came across this explanation on the origin of “OK.”

“From the Greek - Ola Kala meaning “all correct” or “all well.” British proctors and instructors would use the contraction “O.K” instead of writing “ola kala” when grading papers.”

(I presume they mean *ancient* Greek.)

Could this be the origin of the phrase “OK”?

5:24AM
Aug-25-08


Grant Barrett

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Brooklyn, New York

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No, it’s not the origin, though that has been theorized before. The most likely origins—resting on much research and actual early print uses, which is something the Greek supposed origin lacks—is explained here:

OK, Michael Quinion of World Wide Words

What does “OK” stand for? Straight Dope

The Eternal Fascination of OK. Etymologist Anatoly Liberman
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