Underdog
Meaning
A participant in a competition or struggle who is not expected to win, but often inspires support and sympathy.
Origin
The term "underdog" began to bark its way into the English lexicon in the mid-19th century, emerging from the rough-and-tumble world of competitive contests. While its precise origin is debated, a vivid theory suggests it referred to the weaker or smaller dog in a pack, or, more graphically, the dog that was literally pinned "under" another during a fight, clearly losing. This powerful image of being physically disadvantaged and expected to fail quickly expanded beyond the kennel. Soon, any participant in a contest, from a political race to a sporting match, who was not expected to win but still inspired hope, became the cherished "underdog," a symbol of resilience against overwhelming odds.
Examples
- Despite being the clear underdog, the small high school football team pulled off an astonishing victory in the championship.
- Everyone loves to cheer for the underdog, especially when they defy expectations and triumph against overwhelming odds.