Theory 1: "Hong Kong Dory"
* This theory suggests the phrase originated in the late 19th or early 20th century, possibly from sailors returning from Hong Kong.
* "Dory" refers to a type of fishing boat common in Hong Kong at the time.
* The phrase could have been a slang term for a place or time that was enjoyable or prosperous, like the bustling port of Hong Kong.
* However, this theory lacks solid evidence and seems unlikely given the phrase's usage in American English.
Theory 2: "Hunky-dory"
* This theory posits that "honky dory" is a corruption of "hunky-dory", which may have originated from the phrase "hunkey-dory", meaning "handsome" or "beautiful".
* This theory is based on the idea that "hunky-dory" was a slang term for a handsome or beautiful woman, and eventually came to mean "everything is fine" or "all is well".
* This theory is also unsupported by concrete evidence.
Theory 3: "On the Dory"
* This theory suggests that "honky dory" originated from the phrase "on the dory", which was used to describe a time when sailors were on their fishing boat.
* This theory is based on the idea that being "on the dory" was a peaceful and enjoyable time for sailors, and the phrase eventually came to mean "everything is fine" or "all is well".
* However, this theory lacks concrete evidence.
Conclusion
While the origin of "honky dory" remains a mystery, it likely evolved from a slang term used in the early 20th century, perhaps related to sailors or fishing. The exact meaning and origin are uncertain, but the phrase has become a common and well-known way to express that things are good or everything is fine.