7 February 2020
Irrespective of its ironic nativity and originally specific definition (“Oll Korrect,” or suitable, satisfactory, or passable), the word “okay” (or “okeh”), in common English usage, has taken on a number of definitions, each dependent on context.
In response to inquiries after conditions (“How’s the bread?” “How are you feeling?”) it retains its original definition.
In response to solicitations of affirmation (“Will you wash the dishes?” “Would you like a bag?”) it means “yes.”
In response to an imperative statement (“Wash the dishes.” “Stop that.” “Come here.”) it means “Yes, ma’am!”
In response to a declarative statement (“They’re here.” “I think it’s going to rain.” “I guess it’s free.” “I want you to wash the dishes.”) it means almost nothing. “Almost nothing” of course, meaning something. Usually it means “Yeah, I heard you. You don’t need to say it again.”
1 March 2023
So, I guess the beatings were my reward for not hiding well enough or long enough. Or maybe they were fully justified, as they were based on my “smart mouth” or “that look.” The crime of “that look” was the biggest surprise. Reflecting over the decades, I guess “that look” was the residue of my horror and my contempt and my disgust that anyone would take such pleasure in inflicting injury and anguish on the helpless and the innocent.