Underdog

Underdog.co.uk is dedicated to the concept of the underdog - something the UK has long had a fascination with. Find out all you need to know about the term’s history, modern usage and why the people of the UK feel such an affinity with the concept, here at underdog.co.uk.

History of the underdog

The term underdog was originally used in the late 19th century to describe the defeated animal in a dogfight, the winner being crowned the ‘top dog’. Since then the term has gradually moved away from its dog fighting origins and evolved to its modern meaning – a competitor thought unlikely to win. Underdog has become synonymous with an ‘upset’ – the practice of the underdog triumphing over the ‘top dog’ or the ‘favourite’. The original underdog story

Modern usage of the term underdog

While it’s true the term has found its way into everyday vocabulary, it’s still used heavily in the world of sports betting. Again, the term indicates an individual or a team that is thought unlikely to win, the antonym being a ‘safe bet’ or a ‘sure thing’. Bookmakers will place ‘long odds’ on the underdog, meaning any bet placed on them will provide significant rewards should they win.

The underdog and popular culture

The notion of the courageous underdog has truly permeated popular culture, with the last few years seeing numerous films and a whole host of new music created around the concept. The most recent film is Disney’s 2007 ‘Underdog’ in which a laboratory accident gives an ordinary beagle called shoeshine superpowers. The ‘Underdog’ subsequently becomes a caped, canine crime fighter. The 2004 ‘Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story’ starring Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn was a major hit in both the US and the UK, taking over $30m and £2m in its opening weekend alone. The film follows the uplifting story of a group of misfits who enter a dodgeball tournament with the intention of winning the prize money and saving their local gym from the advances of a huge health and fitness chain. Underdog themed musical releases include Leicestershire band Kasabian’s 2009 ‘Underdog’. Despite peaking at position 32 in the UK singles chart was widely used in advertising, including Sony’s 2010 Bravia televisions advert and Carlsberg’s inspiring ‘team talk’ ad for the 2010 football World Cup. Welsh rockers Manic Street Preachers released the single ‘Underdogs’ in 2007 is a tribute to the band’s loyal fans and features the line; “for underdogs, revenge is sweet.”

The UK’s fascination with the underdog

History suggests that in the UK we’re drawn to the underdog – especially in the world of sport. From tennis try-hard Tim Henman to underperforming England footballer Emile Heskey, the UK has always backed the plucky outsider. This was evident in the recent 2010 World Cup final when neutrals were largely seen to be supporting the Dutch over the Spanish favourites, albeit to no avail. Away from sport, the UK’s love for the underdog shone through once again in December 2009 in the race for Christmas number one in the singles chart. Eventually, American metal band Rage Against the Machine beat Simon Cowell backed X-factor winner Joe McElderry to the Christmas number one spot. Though respected music figures all over the country said it couldn’t be done, more than half a million people downloaded the track ‘Killing in the name’ to deny X-factor creator Cowell his fourth Christmas number one. So there you have it, the UK truly loves an underdog. Pop back shortly for more underdog news!