Bested worsted?
Language Log 2013-05-04
Summary:
J.R. writes:
Are you noticing more and more usage of "worsted" for "bested", in the sense of beating someone? It seems to be a trend. It's not consistent with getting the "best" of someone, and the orientation (focusing on the one who lost) is the opposite of topping someone, overwhelming them or surpassing them. But it [...]