Qualifiable favorite?

[sagehen]

>For me, that poses no problem.  I have had the same thought as you, but the
>'qualifiable-ness' of favorite is handy.  What do you say in such a
>situation: there are 4 pies sitting on the table and you are offered some.
>You like them in this order: Apple (of course), blackberry , blueberry,
>strawberry (you do NOT dislike strawberry; it just comes in last).  How would
>you express that strawberry comes in last, i.e. is your 'least favorite'?  I
>think you can see that 'least favorite' is a handy construction.
>Fritz
~~~~~~~~~
Handy, yes;  I just wouldn't use it!   I'd say:  "They're all favorites,
but I like apple best,  strawberry least"  [ in fact, I like blueberry
least].

Clearly favorites can be more or less favored.  "Least favorite" simply
sounds to me like a misspoken "least favored."
AM