The spelling of "wast funk" may seem unusual, but it can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. "Wast" is pronounced /wæst/, with the "a" sound as in "cat" and a silent "e" at the end. "Funk" is pronounced /fʌŋk/, with the "u" sound as in "mud" and a silent "e" at the end. Together, "wast funk" can be pronounced /wæst fʌŋk/. This term is not commonly used in modern English, but it could refer to a type of funky, old-fashioned music or an odor that has gone bad.