“Martin Van Buren was a big part of OK’s initial takeoff”

“Van Buren’s unsuccessful reelection campaign in 1840 is regarded by etymologists as instrumental in the popularization of the word ‘OK’. In the context of the campaign, the initialism was used as a nickname for Van Buren and stood for ‘Old Kinderhook,’ which was a reference to Van Buren’s birthplace.”

Despite the reminders when my sideburns get to long – the 8th president and I are not related.

Oh sure – he lost his 2nd term – but his campaign lives on in everyday speech? I’d count that as a success.

Too bad about the successors. :/

“your comments may be used in advertising or exploited in some other way we haven’t figured out yet”