The Hokey Cokey was copyrighted in England in 1942 by Jimmy Kennedy. He called it the Cokey Cokey. In an introduction to the dance he wrote;

This is one of the simplest dances ever. Since its introduction here by the Canadian forces, it has caught on like wildfire and bids fair to out-rival some of the most sensational dance successes of the past. The word "Cokey" means a dope fiend - but what this has to do with the dance is not clear. The dance is founded on a traditional action song long known in the mining camps and dance saloons of the Canadian West.

Regards Mick Bracken.