How Do You Spell OK CORRAL?

Pronunciation: [ˌə͡ʊkˈe͡ɪ kəɹˈal] (IPA)

Correct spelling for the English word "ok corral" is [ˌə͡ʊkˈe͡ɪ kəɹˈal], [ˌə‍ʊkˈe‍ɪ kəɹˈal], [ˌəʊ_k_ˈeɪ k_ə_ɹ_ˈa_l] (IPA phonetic alphabet).

OK CORRAL Meaning and Definition

  1. The "OK Corral" refers to a historic event and a geographical location in the Old West of the United States. It is primarily recognized as the site of the gunfight that took place on October 26, 1881, in Tombstone, Arizona. This gunfight, often known as the "Gunfight at the OK Corral," has become a significant moment in American frontier history.

    The term "OK Corral" has since been used to refer to the specific area where the skirmish occurred. It symbolizes the confrontation between law enforcement officers led by Wyatt Earp and his brothers and a notorious group of outlaws known as the "Cowboys." The gunfight, comprising a series of rapid firearm exchanges, resulted in several casualties and injuries among both parties.

    The "OK Corral" has transcended its historical context and become an emblematic representation of the American Wild West era, epitomizing the dangers and violence of that time. It has been extensively depicted in popular culture, including films, books, and television shows, contributing to its lasting notoriety.

    In broader terms, the expression "OK Corral" has come to symbolize any setting characterized by imminent conflict or tension. It signifies a situation where opposing forces or individuals face off and confront each other directly, often with high stakes and potentially violent outcomes. The term has been adapted metaphorically to describe situations outside of Tombstone, illustrating the allure of the Wild West and its enduring impact on American popular imagination.

Etymology of OK CORRAL

The term "OK Corral" refers to the historic gunfight that took place in Tombstone, Arizona on October 26, 1881. The altercation involved the lawmen (the Earp brothers and Doc Holliday) and a gang of outlaws known as the Cowboys. It is believed that the phrase "OK Corral" originated from an early newspaper article covering the event, which described the gunfight as taking place in a vacant lot near the rear entrance of the O.K. Corral. This may have referred to the O.K. Corral and Mining Company, a nearby business. Over time, the phrase "OK Corral" has become popular in referring to the gunfight itself.