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Why we say ‘OK.’ How tea shaped English slang. Poetry winner
Mar 18, 2025
Discover the fascinating origins of 'OK' and how a 19th-century election made it a staple in our vocabulary. Dive into the Victorian tea culture that birthed quirky idioms like 'scandal broth' and uncover the deeper meanings behind phrases shaped by the British tea trade. Enjoy personal anecdotes that connect language with everyday life, and celebrate linguistic creativity with a winning poem from the ACES poetry contest. Language has never been more colorful!
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Quick takeaways
- The term 'OK' originated as a humorous abbreviation in 1839, popularized by President Van Buren's campaign, illustrating the dynamic nature of language.
- Victorian tea culture not only influenced idioms like Cockney rhyming slang but also reflects how cultural practices shape linguistic evolution over time.
Deep dives
The Origin and Popularity of 'OK'
March 23rd is designated as 'OK Day,' celebrating one of the most recognizable words in the English language. The term 'OK' originated as a humorous abbreviation for 'all correct' in 1839, used by Boston journalists. Its rise to popularity was significantly aided by President Martin Van Buren, who adopted it as part of his campaign slogan, creating the OK Club. Today, both 'OK' and 'Okay' coexist, with the former being preferred in some style guides, but the latter often dominating in creative writing.
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