ok?

[Hokipokii]

My son has asked me what o.k stands for.I havent got a clue but im hoping you clever abers can help.TIA.

[SKA]

isn't it the same as 'all right'

[jno]

nobody knows for certain, but it's probably an abbreviation for 'oll korrekt', a sort of jokey misspelling in the 19th century in the USA.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okay

[jno]

however, this one seems quite certain...

http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a2_250.ht ml

[brionon]

The opposite to KO {knockout} or Orl Korrect ?

[Hokipokii]

Thankyou all,very interesting.

[netibiza]

I'd heard it comes from the American Indians "Choktau Hoke" which is abbreviated to OK

[TheWinner]

A long time ago, I used to be very interested in the origins of words like this, and I am sure that it stood for
OLD KINDERHOOK

and whilst on this subject, another one I always thought was funny was the word DERV. (As in, I need to buy some DERV). This one stands for Deisel Engined Road Vehicle. (for those who may be interested).

[netibiza]

Have just googled "OK" and it appears that almost every country has it's own versions of ok.