I am wondering also to the OP, what is your native language? If it's Korean, then how do you think the translator did at conveying Rapidstar's actual message?[/QUOTE]
Rapidstar actually said "Gambit is an elite clan/team in Europe, and they are great." and the translator translated that into "Gambit is one of the best teams in Europe, if not the best.' If you ask me how I feel about the translation, then I think the translator did a fabulous and classy job.
Personally, I always use that phrase to mean the same as Perry Hawter:
"X is one of the best, if not the best" is a common way to say you think something is the best without having to address the implications of all the other things (in this case the other EU teams) being inferior.
For example, If ESPN reporter says, "MJ is one of the bests, if not the best." Then, I take that as one way of saying the fact that the reporter firmly believes MJ would probably the best, but he is opening up some possibilities just to make sure there would not be any controversies among the viewers. Because some viewers may think, Kobe, Bill Russel, King James, or whoever they like to be 'the' #1 best in their mind. So just like Perry Hawter was saying it is a way of addressing one's belief without accidently dissing other greats who played the same sports.
I know you guys chose A over B because it is definitely a common way of saying things here at the states.
However, my friend still believes he is right because, for some odd reasons, Korean English teachers mainly translate that phrase as 'though not.' For example, 'Gambit is one of the greatest, if not the greatest.' = 'Gambit is one of the greatest, though 'PROBABLY NOT THE #1' greatest. He is saying in some contexts, that is how people can translate. And, that contexts = Rapidstar's video. So, there is a great possibility of people may very well took it wrongly and also possibility of some viewers including Gambit gaming themselves, may be offended by the translator's comment.
I know it is ridiculous, but he is even arguing that Rickless translated, ''they might be the #1 team in europe, but if they aren't #1 then they are definitely among the best teams in europe.' covey meaning of 'though not.' So, Rickless is actually agreeing with what my friend meant saying that Rickless agrees that viewers maybe confused. All in all, some of you guys are actually agreeing the fact that the Korean translator chose wrong words to express Rapidstar's actual intentions. I know you guys repeatedly said A. lolz..
So guys, apparently my friend is seriously lacking in his ability to interpret English. I guess its not so simple for him as us ordinary people use everyday to express ourselves.
So, I may have to make it ridiculously simple here. Please say Yes or No, and then make your explanations simple and somewhat extreme so there would be no ambiguity. I know there aren't really much ambiguity upon what you guys described above, but my friend is still very confused. So, I am going to make it ridiculously simple and Extreme Extreme... So bare with me, if it is somewhat too extreme and not perfectly or totally right. My friend just simply don't get it.
1) So, in every day life, when reporter used 'if not,' as used in Rapidstar's interview, it certainly can be used as = "X is one of the best, if not the best" is a common way to say you think something is the best without having to address the implications of all the other things (in this case the other EU teams) being inferior. Yes, we use it to compliment or show respect for X, or No, not really. Yes or no!
2) After watching the video, knowing the context!, knowing how Rapidstar actually said in Korean. Did the translator interpret Rapidstar's intentions well? or was it even better! Great respect for Gambit. Gambit can not be happier than that comment. Yes, the translator did an excellent job, or No, he could make someone confused. YES or NO!
3) Did any of you or people around you, watching this video, were offended or somewhat confused by the usage of 'if not.' If you would assume if any of ordinary English speaking people watch that specific interview, is there ever be a possibility of getting confused and believe rapidstar was trying to make a negative statement upon Gambit gaming, by saying Gambit is one of the best, though not "THE #1' best? Yes, I watched it and I was confused/offended, or No, who in the hell would get confused, that translator made everyone happy even Gambit gaming peeps! YES or NO.
4) Was Rickless basically agreeing with my friend? Yes, Rickless was agreeing with my friend saying that there may be some people understand that statement as 'though not', or No, no way, Rickless was agreeing with OP saying that Rapid star was respectful and it was good translation. YES or NO!
5) 1) You (my friend) are wrong vs. 2) you (my friend) may be right. 1)vs. 2)
6) Lastly, do you want to say anything to my friend? Ex.) We know how to speak English because its our own language, so please drop what Korean people taught you about how to use English properly? Please Please???
7) Man.. argument with him is wearing me out... lolz..
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