The phrase "hadst a yen for" is an old English expression that means "you had a strong desire for something." It is spelled "hædst ə jɛn fɔr" in IPA phonetic transcription. The 'a' in 'hadst' is pronounced like the 'a' in 'father', while the 'e' in 'yen' sounds like the 'e' in 'lemon'. The 'f' in 'for' is pronounced like the 'ph' in 'phone'. Although this phrase is not commonly used in modern English, it is still useful to know its spelling and meaning.
Hadst a yen for is an archaic English phrase originating from the Middle English period, specifically from the Old English word "geong" meaning "longing" or "desire". It is derived from the verb "yen", which means to crave or yearn for something. The phrase "hadst a yen for" is conjugated in the second person singular past tense, indicating that the subject of the sentence possessed a strong and persistent desire or craving for something in the past.
Hadst a yen for is used to express an intense longing or strong inclination towards a particular object, experience, or goal. It implies a deep-seated desire or ambition, often associated with an insistent urge or fervent wish. The phrase conveys a sense of longing that goes beyond mere interest or fascination, suggesting an almost irresistible attraction towards the desired object or outcome.
This antiquated phrase is reminiscent of Shakespearian language and is rarely used in contemporary English. It evokes a sense of poetic imagery and conveys emotions with an old-world charm. When someone hadst a yen for something, it implies that their desire was intense and unyielding, motivating their pursuit of the object of their longing.
Despite its rarity in modern language, the phrase hadst a yen for carries a certain elegance and nostalgic charm. It serves as a reminder of the richness and evolution of the English language, reflecting the cultural and linguistic nuances of centuries gone by.