Something that is profoundly irritating, designed to mislead, or makes no sense whatsoever. Similar to smoke and mirrors but considerably more mundane.
"What a sterling email" - an email heavy with words but light on meaning or commitment to anything at all.
"A stirling job" - a job that has been done in a way so as to give the impression of completion but that actually is only designed to hide or detract from underlying defects or incompetence.
a girl who is without a doubt an alcoholic. she will most likely be addicted to sex as well. if you come across a girl that happens to be named sterling, run for your dear life.
Sterling: "It's 'wesday'"
Claire: "NO! it's 'wednesday' you dumb fuck of a hymen smoker!"