LINGUIST List 23.1844

Wed Apr 11 2012

Books: OK: Metcalf

Editor for this issue: Danniella Hornby <daniellalinguistlist.org>


Date: 29-Mar-2012
From: Jessica Prudhomme <jessica.prudhommeoup.com>
Subject: OK: Metcalf
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Title: OK Subtitle: The Improbable Story of America's Greatest Word Published: 2012 Publisher: Oxford University Press
                http://www.oup.com/us

Book URL: http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/subject/Linguistics/TheEnglishLanguage/~~/dmlldz11c2EmY2k9OTc4

Author: Allan Metcalf Paperback: ISBN: 9780199892532 Pages: Price: U.S. $ 13.95
Abstract:

It is said to be the most frequently spoken (or typed) word on the planet,more common than an infant's first word ma or the ever-present beverageCoke. It was even the first word spoken on the moon. It is "OK"--the mostubiquitous and invisible of American expressions, one used countless timesevery day. Yet few of us know the hidden history of OK--how it was coined,what it stood for, and the amazing extent of its influence.

Allan Metcalf, a renowned popular writer on language, here traces theevolution of America's most popular word, writing with brevity and wit, andranging across American history with colorful portraits of the nooks andcrannies in which OK survived and prospered. He describes how OK wasborn as a lame joke in a newspaper article in 1839--used as a supposedlyhumorous abbreviation for "oll korrect" (ie, "all correct")--but should have dieda quick death, as most clever coinages do. But OK was swept along in anineteenth-century fad for abbreviations, was appropriated by a presidentialcampaign (one of the candidates being called "Old Kinderhook"), and finallywas picked up by operators of the telegraph. Over the next century and ahalf, it established a firm toehold in the American lexicon, and eventuallybecame embedded in pop culture, from the "I'm OK, You're OK" of 1970'stransactional analysis, to Ned Flanders' absurd "Okeley Dokeley!" Indeed,OK became emblematic of a uniquely American attitude, and is one of ourmost successful global exports.

Reviews

"Metcalf has produced a complete and completely entertaining history of themost American of all expressions. More than 'just OK' -- revelatory andengrossing."--Erin McKean, CEO of wordnik.com, author of Weird andWonderful Words, More Weird and Wonderful Words, and former Editor-in-Chief, Oxford American Dictionaries

"Metcalf has written an appealing and informative history of OK." --Washington Post Book World

"Fun and educational!"--Language Hat

"Have a look at Professor Metcalf's book yourself. It's worth your time."--YouDon't Say

"I think you'll find the yarn Metcalf spins to be far better than OK...So get thisbook, OK? If you love words, history, or Americana, you'll find it fascinating."--Mark Peters, Good.com

"Metcalf's entertaining linguistic history is a treat for logophiles."--KirkusReviews

"Engagingly written as well as thoroughly researched."-- Arnold Zwicky's Blog

"Metcalf has done a remarkable job of imparting the life and times of a wordthat began as a joke and ended up 'the most frequently spoken (or typed)word on the planet.' Touching on its history; its use in politics, literature, andbusiness; its tiny stature and impressive reach; and even how it reflectsculture and identity, Metcalf has written an unbelievably OK book."--PopMatters.com

"I highly recommend the book...as a nice read. This is exactly the kind ofbook...that people who call themselves 'language lovers' should read ... it'sclear and accessible and gives non-specialists...a good picture of how tothink about language history and language use. And Metcalf writes in a reallyeasy style."--Mr. Verb

"Metcalf's book is an enjoyable addition to the shelfload of books promptingus to reconsider everyday things--from appliances to the moon overhead tothe air we breathe. His book, in fact, isn't just enjoyable--that's right, it's betterthan OK."--Los Angeles Times

Linguistic Field(s): General Linguistics                             History of Linguistics
Written In: English (eng)

See this book announcement on our website: http://linguistlist.org/pubs/books/get-book.cfm?BookID=59852


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Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd 		http://www.continuumbooks.com

De Gruyter Mouton 		http://www.degruyter.com/mouton

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