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Copacetic

Posted by ESC on January 12, 2005

In Reply to: Salubrious and copecetic (copasetic, copacetic etc.) posted by ESC on January 12, 2005

: : : I have heard this phrase used over the years in lofty, whimsical exchanges and I am familiar with the intended meaning; however, I am unable to find an etymology for 'copasetic' or its other spellings. Is this a relatively new word and phrase?

: : : SR

: : A few sources have the word originating in the early 20th Century, from the jazz and bebop hipster era.

: We've got the first word covering. From Merriam-Webster online:

: Main Entry: sa·lu·bri·ous
: Pronunciation: s&-'lü-brE-&s
: Function: adjective
: Etymology: Latin salubris; akin to salvus safe, healthy -- more at SAFE
: : favorable to or promoting health or well-being

"Flappers 2 Rappers: American Youth Slang" by Tom Dalzell (Merriam-Webster Inc., Springfield, Md., 1996) says that copacetic is a Flapper term from the 1920s. No origin listed.

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