"We best..." vs. "we had better...". Discuss!

[MamaMia100]

As in "we best get in the bath" / "we had better get in the bath". I know the latter is correct, but is the former wrong or just an alternative/regional variation? My DH and his parents saw "we best..." and my kids are picking it up. I HATE it, sounds completely wrong to me but Im not sure why and can't come up with a convincing argument. Any thoughts? TIA

Anyone...?

It strikes me as an Americanism ("we best..."), but I don't know for certain.

I don't think it's an Americanism, I think it's a regional thing, maybe from up north.
I'm sure I heard it as a kid, "Well you best get home now" or "you best behave yourself" kind of phrases

But is it bad english? As in would you correct your kids if they said it (and you lived in London)?

it should be "we'd best" anyway. "we best" makes no sense.

good, better,best, so i can see where it comes from - it's even better.
but it is wrong and i would correct it.

Yes! Thought so. Can any of you language boffins explain why it's wrong so I can argue my case?

Thanks everyone for your help