Yeah, slang typically originates from expressions that are in everyday use among significant subcultural population. ‘Washed up’ could’ve been related to the sea if it were coined in the mid-nineteenth century at the latest, when seaside occupations were still dominant in the economy, especially in the UK. But it’s too far-fetched for the twentieth century, when urban life became more important.
Etymonline says that ‘washed-up’ is from theatre slang.
I stand corrected! Just saying “washed” is much closer to the original origin than I thought, then.
Yeah, slang typically originates from expressions that are in everyday use among significant subcultural population. ‘Washed up’ could’ve been related to the sea if it were coined in the mid-nineteenth century at the latest, when seaside occupations were still dominant in the economy, especially in the UK. But it’s too far-fetched for the twentieth century, when urban life became more important.