2 definitions by DrF
"Former," "previous," "ex-"
Erstwhile works a lot like "ex," except it's an adjective instead of a prefix, much more formal and a little old-fashioned. Not everyone knows what it means. Lots of people slip it into sentences because it sounds fancy and makes them feel like they're from the 1890s.
Erstwhile works a lot like "ex," except it's an adjective instead of a prefix, much more formal and a little old-fashioned. Not everyone knows what it means. Lots of people slip it into sentences because it sounds fancy and makes them feel like they're from the 1890s.
My erstwhile and estimable business partner will be joining us for lunch."
"Wait, you guys aren't working together anymore?"
"What? No, we still are."
"Then why'd you say 'erstwhile'?"
"Because he went to Harvard, man! It doesn't get more erstwhile than that!"
"That's not what that word means, dude."
"Don't say 'dude.' It'll make you sound uneducated."
"Wait, you guys aren't working together anymore?"
"What? No, we still are."
"Then why'd you say 'erstwhile'?"
"Because he went to Harvard, man! It doesn't get more erstwhile than that!"
"That's not what that word means, dude."
"Don't say 'dude.' It'll make you sound uneducated."
by DrF December 16, 2013
The fireworks factory.
by DrF January 9, 2004