The terms "Arkie" and "Okie" were given to migrant workers from the Midwest during the Great Depression that were traveling to California to find work.
Here is an interesting excerpt:
"Though these refugees came from a number of states, Californians often
lumped them together as "Okies" or "Arkies," who became the butt of derogatory
jokes and the focus of political campaigns in which candidates made them the
scapegoat for a shattered economy. They were accused of many crimes, as well as
shiftlessness, lack of ambition, school overcrowding and stealing jobs from
native Californians".
So while the term "Arkie" or "Arky" may not be offensive now, it was not meant to be a term of endearment or an abbreviation.
It's not surprising that the term has been passed down as offensive from generation to generation.
Personally, I've only heard the term used when someone is attempting to talk trash about the state or the Razorbacks.
Here is an interesting excerpt:
"Though these refugees came from a number of states, Californians often
lumped them together as "Okies" or "Arkies," who became the butt of derogatory
jokes and the focus of political campaigns in which candidates made them the
scapegoat for a shattered economy. They were accused of many crimes, as well as
shiftlessness, lack of ambition, school overcrowding and stealing jobs from
native Californians".
So while the term "Arkie" or "Arky" may not be offensive now, it was not meant to be a term of endearment or an abbreviation.
It's not surprising that the term has been passed down as offensive from generation to generation.
Personally, I've only heard the term used when someone is attempting to talk trash about the state or the Razorbacks.
