The spelling of the word "wert flabbergasted" is a bit odd, but can be explained through the use of IPA phonetic transcription. The first part, "wert," is pronounced /wɜrt/ with a stressed /ɜ/ sound similar to the "ur" in "fur". The second part, "flabbergasted," is pronounced /flæbərˈɡæstɪd/ with a stressed /æ/ sound similar to the "a" in "cat". The root word "flabbergast" means to shock or surprise greatly, and by adding the -ed suffix, it becomes past tense.
"Wert flabbergasted" is an archaic or poetic phrase that combines the verb "wert," an old second person singular form of the verb "to be" in the past tense, with the adjective "flabbergasted," which means to be astounded, bewildered, or greatly surprised.
The phrase implies a state of being completely taken aback or dumbfounded, often caused by an unexpected or shocking event, revelation, or circumstance. It conveys a high level of disbelief, astonishment, or even speechlessness. When someone says or writes "wert flabbergasted," they are expressing that they were utterly and profoundly amazed, stunned, or confounded by something.
This quaint expression reflects a blend of classical language and informal, colloquial tone. Its usage harkens back to older forms of English, such as Shakespearean or Victorian English, where the word "wert" was a common verb conjugation. While seldom used in contemporary conversation, "wert flabbergasted" is occasionally found in poetry, literary works, or artistic representations that aim to evoke a sense of nostalgia or bygone eras.
In summary, "wert flabbergasted" is an antiquated phrase that signifies an extreme state of astonishment or surprise. Its combination of the old verb "wert" with the adjective "flabbergasted" emphasizes a profound and often speechless reaction to something unexpected.
The word "flabbergasted" originated around the mid-18th century. Although the exact etymology is not universally agreed upon, there are a few theories:
1. The most widely accepted theory suggests that "flabbergasted" is a combination of two older English dialect words: "flabber" and "gast". "Flabber" was a verb meaning "to cause to fly back", similar to the verb "flap" but with a more sudden force. "Gast" was an adjective meaning "amazed" or "bewildered". Over time, "flabber" and "gast" merged to form "flabbergast", which later became "flabbergasted".
2. Another theory proposes that "flabbergasted" is derived from "flabby" and "aghast".