Event of 1839: The Boston Morning Post first records the use of "O.K." (oll korrect).

Background. The abbreviation fad began in Boston in the summer of 1838, utilizing expressions like "OFM" and "NG." Many of these abbreviated expressions were exaggerated misspellings, a common trait among humorists of the day. The term "O.K." is widely held to be an initialism of "oll korrect," a deliberate misspelling of "all correct," originating as part of this specific cultural trend.

Publication. Allen Walker Read identifies the earliest known use of "O.K." in print as appearing in the edition of March 23, 1839, of the Boston Morning Post. Mencken initially considered the expression to be in the manuscript but later recanted, asserting that it was used no earlier than 1839, aligning with the specific publication date recorded by Read.

Later Usage. The term achieved national prominence in 1840 during the United States presidential election. Supporters of the Democratic Party claimed it stood for "Old Kinderhook," a nickname for Martin Van Buren. Ryan later stated in 1955 that he felt confident the term was created by Van Buren's supporters in 1839, though the initial print record predates the political association.