The spelling of the word "wast rotten" may seem confusing at first glance, but it actually follows the phonetic rules of Old English. "Wast" is the second person singular form of the verb "to be," and is pronounced as /wɑːst/ (wahst). "Rotten" is pronounced as /ˈrɒtən/ (RAH-tuhn) and means spoiled or decayed. Together, "wast rotten" means "you were rotten" in Old English. While this spelling may no longer be in common use, it is an interesting example of how the English language has evolved over time.
"Wast rotten" is a phrase that combines the archaic term "wast" with the adjective "rotten." In order to understand its meaning, each word needs to be analyzed separately.
1. Wast: "Wast" is an archaic second person singular form of the verb "to be," specifically in the past tense. It is derived from the Middle English term "wast," which itself originated from the Old English word "wǣre." Therefore, "wast" is used to describe an action or state of being that occurred in the past, particularly in relation to the second person.
2. Rotten: "Rotten" is an adjective that describes an object or substance that has undergone decay or decomposition. It indicates that the item has lost its original quality or condition, often due to the action of microbes, fungi, or other natural processes. Something that is described as "rotten" is often spoiled, putrid, or in a state of disrepair.
Thus, when combined, the phrase "wast rotten" would refer to a previous state where something was decayed or decomposed. It suggests that the object or substance being referred to was once in a deteriorated, spoiled, or putrid state. As an archaic construction, "wast rotten" would not typically be found in contemporary language usage but may be encountered in historical texts or literature.