"Withnail" does not have a widely recognized dictionary definition as it is a name or a proper noun associated with a specific character from the movie titled "Withnail and I," released in 1987. However, one can infer a contextual definition based on the characteristics and traits of the character.
Withnail refers to the primary protagonist of the film, Withnail, played by Richard E. Grant. Withnail is a struggling, eccentric, and eccentrically portrayed actor residing in 1969 London. He is depicted as unstable, self-destructive, and constantly indulging in excessive drinking, substance abuse, and introspection.
The name "Withnail" has become synonymous with a particular type of character that captures the essence of bohemianism, flamboyance, and a quintessential embodiment of the counterculture movement. These individuals are typically depicted as living a hedonistic lifestyle, detached from societal norms and responsibilities. They often exude a nonchalant attitude towards conventional success and prioritize personal experiences, even if it leads to self-sabotage.
By extension, the term "Withnail" can sometimes be used colloquially to refer to an eccentric, artistic, or nonconformist individual who rejects societal expectations and conventions, often demonstrating self-destructive tendencies. This use of the term may be understood within the context of popular culture and the influence of the film "Withnail and I."
