Stuck fast is a common expression used to describe something that is deeply embedded or firmly fixed. The spelling of "stuck fast" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /stʌk fæst/. The 'u' in stuck is pronounced as the short 'uh' sound, while 'a' in fast is pronounced as the short 'æ' sound. The 'ck' in stuck is pronounced as the voiceless velar stop /k/, and the 'st' cluster in fast is pronounced together without a pause. Together, the two words form a sound pattern that is easy to remember and recognize.
The phrase "stuck fast" refers to a state of being firmly and immovably stuck or trapped. It describes a situation where an object or a person is stuck so securely that it is difficult or impossible to free themselves or the object without external assistance. "Stuck fast" often implies that a great amount of force, effort, or time would be required to dislodge or remove the trapped subject.
Applied to objects, "stuck fast" suggests the inability to easily separate or detach two or more items that have become tightly fused together. For example, a screw that is "stuck fast" in a piece of wood is deeply embedded or tightly jammed, making it challenging to unscrew or remove.
When this phrase is applied to individuals or living beings, it typically conveys a sense of being trapped or immobilized in a physical or metaphorical sense. For instance, a person who is "stuck fast" in a crowded subway during rush hour is unable to move or exit until the crowd disperses, causing a feeling of confinement or temporary entrapment.
In summary, "stuck fast" is an expression that encapsulates the state of being firmly trapped, attached, or immobilized. It implies a high degree of resistance, requiring considerable force, assistance, or effort to overcome the predicament and achieve freedom or dislodgement.
The word "stuck" comes from the Middle English word "steken" meaning "to stick, pierce, or fasten". Its origins can be traced back to the Old English word "stician". "Fast", on the other hand, comes from the Middle English word "fast" meaning "securely fixed, firm, steadfast". It has Germanic origins and is related to similar words in Old Norse and Old High German. When these two words are combined, "stuck fast" creates an intensified expression implying being firmly or securely stuck.