NRTC Word of the Week: Copacetic

By Iswat Ishola, Francis Ikuerowo, Chiamaka Egwuchukwu, Saminu Yusuf Bena

Copacetic

(/ˌkoʊ.pəˈsɛtɪk/)

Copacetic is an adjective meaning completely satisfactory, fine, or in excellent order. It describes a situation where everything is okay, acceptable, or running smoothly, often after a problem has been resolved. It is commonly used in informal speech to reassure others that there is no cause for concern.

Example:

After the issue was addressed, everything was copacetic and the team moved on.

Origin:

Copacetic first appeared in American English in the early 20th century (around 1910). Its exact origin is uncertain, but it is believed to have come from American slang. Some scholars suggest a possible influence from the Hebrew phrase kol b’seder, meaning “everything is in order,” though this has not been conclusively proven.

Formed from:

• Uncertain origin (American slang)

• Possibly influenced by kol b’seder = everything is in order

Synonyms of copacetic:

fine, okay, satisfactory, in order, all good

Antonyms of copacetic:

problematic, unsatisfactory, chaotic, disordered, not okay

In Yorùbá, Copacetic is translated as “lọ dáadáa”, ní ètò”

Examples

1. Lẹ́yìn ìṣòro náà, ohun gbogbo lọ dáadáa(After the issue, everything went well.)
2. Gbogbo nǹkan níbi iṣẹ́ wà ní ètò.
   (Everything at work is in order)

In Hausa, Copacetic is translated as “koma lafiya kalau”

Examples:

1. Bayan an warware rashin jituwa, dangantakar abokan ta koma lafiya kalau(After the misunderstanding was resolved, the relationship between the two friends became copacetic.)
2. Malamin ya tabbatar da cewa shirye-shiryen jarabawa suna tafiyar daidai(The teacher confirmed that the arrangements for the examination were copacetic.)

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In French, Copacetic is translated as “satisfaisant, correct, en bon état, convenable”

Examples:

1. La situation est satisfaisante. (The situation is satisfactory.)
2. Tout est en bon état maintenant.
   (Everything is in good order now.)

In Spanish, Copacetic is translated as “satisfactorio, aceptable, en buen estado”

Examples:

1. El resultado es satisfactorio. (The result is satisfactory.)
2. Todo está en buen estado. (Everything is in good condition.)

In German, Copacetic is translated as “zufriedenstellend, ordnungsgemäß, in gutem Zustand”

Examples:

1. Das Ergebnis ist zufriedenstellend. (The result is satisfactory.)
2. Alles ist ordnungsgemäß. (Everything is in proper order.)