phr. (originally American: now universal).—See quot. 1871.
1847. ROBB, Streaks of Squatter Life, 72. His express reported himself after his night ride, assured Allen that all was O. K., and received his dollar.
1848. E. Z. C. JUDSON (‘Ned Buntline’), The Mysteries and Miseries of New York, iv. ’Tis one of us; it’s O. K.
1871. DE VERE, Americanisms. General Jackson, better known … as Old Hickory, was not much at home in the art of spelling, and his friend and admirer, Major Jack Downing, found therefore no difficulty in convincing the readers of his ‘Letters,’ that the President employed the letters O.K. as an endorsement of applications for office, and other papers. They were intended to stand for ‘All Correct,’ which the old gentleman preferred writing Oll Korrect.
1883. Graphic, 17 March, 287, 1. It was voted O.K., or all correct, whereas the other was pronounced only a one-horse affair.
1889. Answers, 56, 1. John Jenkins … was O.K. with Matilda Ann at Williams Street.
1889. Pall Mall Gazette, 12 Nov., 3, 1. If a stock has been falling and a sudden rise of 1 comes over there is an immediate inquiry, to make sure that there is no mistake. The reply O.K. no doubt comes back, and the price goes out.
1891. The Sporting Times, 11 April. There can be no doubt that it was all O.K., for your insistence upon strict veracity is well known to all readers of the Pink ’Un.
Verb. (American).—To signify that all is right.
1888. Missouri Republican, 25 Jan. Please O.K., and hurry the return of my account.
