"Wast in fat city" is a phrase commonly used to describe a state of being comfortable and wealthy. The pronunciation of "wast" is often confusing, but it is pronounced as /wɑst/ with the "a" sound like in "law" and a silent "e". This archaic spelling of the word "was" indicates the usage of English in the past. The phrase's origin dates back to the 1920s and has since gained a strong cultural connotation. It is still used in modern times to reference success and prosperity.
"Wast in fat city" is an idiomatic expression that derives from American slang. The phrase can be broken down to understand its meaning. "Wast" is the second person singular form of the verb "to be" in Middle English, indicating past tense. "Fat" refers to literal excess weight or figurative abundance. Lastly, "city" represents a bustling urban area or a metaphorical representation of a place of opportunity or success.
Together, "wast in fat city" generally means to be or have been in a state of luxury, contentment, or prosperity. It implies that an individual was or is in a prosperous situation with an abundance of resources or opportunities at their disposal. The use of the Middle English verb tense "wast" adds a quaint or archaic flavor to the phrase, giving it a somewhat old-fashioned vibe.
This expression is often used to describe a past state of being successful or well-off, typically in contrast to the current circumstances of the person or situation being discussed. It can also refer to a temporary or fleeting period of affluence that has since diminished. Overall, "wast in fat city" captures the nostalgia for a once prosperous condition or the envy of someone else's previous wealth or good fortune.