Manish_P wrote: ↑05 Feb 2026 09:50The origins (and meanings) are shrouded in the past... especially the 'OK' part
https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/t ... ous-phrase
Manish ji,
google chacha is often drunk or high and spews nonsense
Long ago, when roads were scarce and the majority of them, where they existed, were often single lane roads in questionable condition. In the Kingdom of Mysore, roads were cemented (not tarred), curtsey of the Maharaja of Mysore, who provided the cement free of cost for roads in his state
Passing traffic, when approaching head on would be able to see the road clearly and take appropriate action so that both parties could negotiate the passing safely, either by pulling off the road where possible or stopping completely in a safe spot, to allow the other vehicle to pass. There were often long straight stretches and heavily laden goods vehicles with noisy cabins filled with engine noise were the ones that generally used these roads.
Following vehicles, which wanted to overtake slower moving vehicles in front of them would not be fully aware of the lay of the road ahead and obstacles like jutting rocks, ditches, road repair materials piled up by the side of the road (not to mention slow moving bullock/horse drawn carts that could panic the animals if a noisy truck/bus passed too close to them)) and what have you abounded on both sides of the road and hence would find it difficult to pass without the active and willing participation of the vehicle ahead.
Moreover, state roads like those in the old Mysore kingdom were tree (usually tamarind trees) lined on both sides almost all the way through, complete with protruding branches, parked trucks et al to cock up things further. In those days, vehicles frequently stopped to top up their radiator water
Under these circumstances, the sign "horn please" told the following vehicle what to do to attract the attention of the driver ahead.
When the driver ahead heard the horn, he would, after assessing the road in front of him, tell the vehicle behind when it was safe for them to pass.
There was a switch in the driver's cabin that was labelled the OK light
When the driver ahead felt that it was safe for him, as well as, the vehicle behind that wished to overtake him, he would flip the OK switch which then turned on the flashing OK light mounted on the rear of his vehicle, indicating to the following vehicle that it was OK for them to pass.
In those days the sign said "Horn Please" and the OK was painted below OK light that the driver could turn on from his cab.
This signage was clearly visible and was very logical, as well as, practical for those times but has now been corrupted by google gavars and dumb$h!t journos who don't know any better because they don't research before they vent
