I was licked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was licked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is describing being physically licked, often by an animal, or in a metaphorical sense, such as being defeated or outperformed. Example: "After the dog ran up to me and playfully licked my face, I couldn't help but laugh and say, 'I was licked!'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I looked at the instructions at Homestore.com and knew I was licked when it told me to "Set a pair of shims with tapers opposing between the frame and stud at each hinge location and if there are only two hinges, in the middle".

The New York Times - Tech

Still in awe, and it's been over a week since I was licked on the face by one.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"I was licking my chops some because I knew the big plays were there".

The New York Times - Sports

The one where I was licking Vladimir Putin's face like a popsicle.

The Guardian

Into the stew went a greedy finger; I was licking the sauce before Eunice could smack my hand away.

The New York Times - Travel

Among the otherwise good desserts, the panna cotta had a lavender glaze that made me feel like I was licking a perfume bottle.

The New York Times - Food

"I had it last night and I was licking the dish!" It was pretty delicious; when the egg, submerged underneath chorizo and corn, is punctured, the leaking yolk creates something like a savory custard.

The New Yorker

I was licking the arse of my boyfriend at the time, and while that was happening, he suddenly ripped a big fart on me.

Vice

I was licking the ass of my boyfriend at the time and while that was happening he suddenly ripped a big fart on me.

Vice

In the fall of 2007, I was licking fresh wounds from a relationship that had taken fourteen years to come to fruition with my first true love, Jessica, and had ended some months prior.

Huffington Post

When the last of it was licked clean, I mentioned dessert.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "I was licked" when you want to express defeat in a lighthearted or slightly self-deprecating manner, or to literally describe being licked by an animal.

Common error

Avoid using "I was licked" too frequently in formal writing, as it can sound informal or colloquial. Opt for more precise and professional terms like "defeated" or "surpassed" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I was licked" is as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject (I) received the action of being licked. Ludwig shows examples of both literal and figurative usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was licked" can be used literally to describe the action of being licked, or metaphorically to indicate defeat. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct. While its use is less common, it appears in diverse contexts from news to personal blogs. When choosing to use this phrase, consider the level of formality required and opt for more precise language in professional settings. More formal alternatives include "I was defeated" or "I was outdone".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was defeated

Focuses solely on the aspect of being beaten or overcome.

I was beaten

Similar to 'defeated', but can also imply a physical contest.

I was outdone

Emphasizes being surpassed or excelled by someone else.

I was overcome

Highlights being overwhelmed by circumstances or opponents.

I was bested

A more formal and slightly archaic way of saying 'I was defeated'.

I was licked clean

Adds emphasis to the licking action being complete and thorough.

I was nuzzled

Suggests a gentle rubbing with the nose, instead of a licking.

I was kissed

Implies a more intimate and gentle form of contact.

I was slobbered on

Conveys a less pleasant, messier kind of licking.

I was kissed by

Indicates affection or contact with another individual or animal, replacing the literal licking action.

FAQs

What does "I was licked" mean?

The phrase "I was licked" can literally mean that someone or something licked you, or it can figuratively mean that you were defeated or overcome in some way.

What can I say instead of "I was licked" to mean defeated?

You can use alternatives like "I was defeated", "I was beaten", or "I was outdone" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "I was licked" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "I was licked" might be too informal for certain professional or academic contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "I was defeated" or "I was surpassed".

Can "I was licked" have different meanings?

Yes, the meaning of "I was licked" depends on the context. It can refer to being literally licked (e.g., by an animal) or figuratively defeated or outperformed.