OK

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It is said to be the most frequently spoken word on the planet, more common than an infant's first word or the beverage Coke. It was even the first word spoken on the moon. This word, "OK," is the most ubiquitous and invisible of American expressions, used countless times daily. Yet, few know its hidden history—how it was coined, what it stood for, and its remarkable influence. Allan Metcalf, a noted writer on language, traces the evolution of this popular word with brevity and wit, exploring its journey through American history. OK originated as a joke in a newspaper article in 1839, supposedly an abbreviation for "oll korrect" (meaning "all correct"). Initially, it seemed destined to fade away like many clever coinages. However, it gained traction during a nineteenth-century fad for abbreviations, was adopted by a presidential campaign, and eventually embraced by telegraph operators. Over the next century and a half, OK became firmly established in the American lexicon and pop culture, from the "I'm OK, You're OK" of the 1970s to Ned Flanders' quirky "Okeley Dokeley!" Ultimately, OK symbolizes a uniquely American attitude and stands as one of our most successful global exports.