The spelling of "hadst a funny feeling" is a bit unusual due to its archaic nature. The word "hadst" is the second person singular past tense of "have" and is pronounced as "hædst" in IPA phonetic transcription. The word "feeling" is spelled as expected, pronounced as "ˈfilɪŋ". Overall, this phrase has an old-fashioned and poetic feel to it, but its meaning - a strange sensation or intuition - remains relevant today.
"Hadst a funny feeling" is an archaic expression derived from the Middle English language. It consists of two distinct parts: "hadst" is the second person singular past tense of "to have" and refers to an individual possessing or experiencing something in the past. "A funny feeling" refers to a peculiar sensation or impression that one experiences, often without a clear explanation or reason.
Combined, the phrase "hadst a funny feeling" suggests that the person being described had a peculiar or somewhat inexplicable sensation in the past. The term "funny" in this context does not necessarily imply humor; rather, it connotes something peculiar, unusual, or different, potentially triggering a sense of curiosity, estrangement, or unease. The precise nature of the feeling or sensation depends on the context in which the expression is used, as it can range from a subtle gut instinct or intuition to a more pronounced emotional response.
While not commonly used in contemporary English, this construction was prevalent in earlier forms of English, particularly during the Middle English period. Today, it may be encountered primarily in literature, historical texts, or theatrical productions set in medieval or Renaissance eras.