“Best known to the public for his definitive investigations of the origins of Dixie, O.K., Podunk, and Rebel Yell,” Allen Walker Read, etymologist, died on October 16th, aged 96. Surprisingly, “OK” is used in nearly every language. Although Americans assumed it had native origins, Europeans brought forth their own theories of its origins. But Read was certain of OK’s American heritage and piled on evidence of its use in the 1830s and eventual dissemination around the world. Still, there are doubters. (via BrainLog)