Meaning of "Erudite"

Factual Questions
1

If you look up the meaning of the word "erudite"in most
dictionaries it will tell you that it means “learned by reading”
or etimologically, “rude”+“un”, or “polished”.

I think that is the way it started out as, but it is my opinion
that the latter half of this century it has come to be a more
sarcastic remark, meaning that a person is all brains and
therefore thinks he knows it all or even just plain “arrogant”
or “eggheaded”

I was wondering if I could get some input from the viewers of
GQ as to what they think it means. I mean, would you call
someone erudite to their face?
-P.K.

2

I have always used it and heard it used to mean “well read”, I can’t think of any occasion where I would consider that an insult.

3

A somewhat high-falutin way to say educated/smart. No negative connotation.

4

It’s my middle name.

5

Depending on context, it can be somewhat insulting, especially if you inflect it the right way in spoken speech. Used that way, it implies rote book learning with no true knowledge or discernment. In other contexts, it is not insulting. Both senses of erudition are in evidence sometimes on this board.

6

Note to self - when getting sarky and quoting Ambrose Bierce, dubble chek fr tyepoes.

7

I certainly can imagine it being used sarcastically, but then again, so can just about any word. Especially words which have anything to do with intelligence. I hear “brilliant” used as a sarcastic insult all the time, but I would not hesitate to tell someone she was brilliant, if I actually thought she was. I have never heard “erudite” used that way, so of course I would have no problem with it, either.

8

I’ve never heard “erudite” used negatively. Of course, it could be used sarcastically, but no more than any other compliment could.