Sometimes referring to them as 'the JERK' feels really good & works well providing an accurate description.

Yes time is good in stopping the talk about them because when they aren't in your life, there ends up being less & less to talk about unless you dwell on the past (which is NOT a good thing to do).

I am separated because getting a divorce isn't an option at this point due to financial issues. I still use the title husband, very seldom refer to him by name except with close friends....but moved 2100 miles away where I didn't know anyone or have any family....so no one knew me or him or his name.....so it's not like they would know who I was talking about if I used his name anyway. Never have talked much about him since leaving except when he does something really stupid & I need to have some communication with him