didn't used to
Once habitually avoided
Didn't used to indicates a past habit or state that no longer holds: I didn't used to like coffee, but now I can't start the day without it.
The construction is grammatically contested—some insist on didn't use to—but both forms appear in speech and writing.
The phrase contrasts with used to, which affirms the former habit.
- no longerPast, not present
- changedMade or became different
- not anymorePreviously but not presently
- previouslyBefore the present moment
- back in the dayIn times past
long ago · at one time · adapted · evolved · historically · transformed · in the past · once · transitioned · grew out of · outgrown · shifted · earlier · habit · acquired taste · altered · coffee · clock