Singing Potatoes
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Wednesday, 31 May 2006
Dear Blogosphere,
Grandpa Simpson

"Erstwhile" is not a synonym with "earnest", "heartfelt", "serious", or whatever it is you're trying to say when you misuse it. It means "former" (or, as an adverb, "formerly"). If you mention an "erstwhile opponent", it means that you are now on the same side. If you talk about an "erstwhile correspondent", it means the person no longer writes to you.


Posted by godfrey (link)
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Comments
That is the penultimate in stupidity.
Posted by indywind on 31 May 2006 15:13