crumblie

n

British

a.

an old person. In spite of the suggestion of crumbling or falling apart, the term is only mildly contemptuous and may even be used affectionately. Coincidentally, the 1960s French slang term for old or 'past it' was croulant, meaning crumbling.

► 'Senior citizens, inevitably, watch 37 hours a week. "Audiences are getting crumbly", says Street-Porter in media-speak. ' (Independent, 23 March 1988)

b.

a parent or adult. Used by children and teenagers since the mid-1970s. A fairly inoffensive middle- and upper-class word favoured by Sloane Rangers among others.

See also wrinkly; crinkly; dusty