The phrase "wert up and about" is an archaic way to say "you were up and moving around." The spelling may seem unusual, but it follows traditional English spelling rules. "Wert" is the old second person singular past tense form of the verb "to be," also spelled as "were" in modern English. The IPA transcription of the phrase would be /wɜrt ʌp ən əˈbaʊt/.
"Wert up and about" is an idiomatic phrase derived from archaic English, consisting of the verb "wert" (shortened form of the archaic second-person singular past tense of ‘be’) and the prepositional phrase "up and about." This expression carries the meaning of being physically active, awake, and engaged in various activities after a period of rest or recovery from an illness or injury.
The term indicates that an individual has regained their vigor, energy, and mobility to resume their daily routines or tasks. It implies a state of wellness, typically following a period of being bedridden or incapacitated. When someone is "up and about," it suggests that they have recuperated from a sickness, regained their physical strength, or successfully recovered from an ailment or surgery.
This expression often conveys a sense of relief or accomplishment, emphasizing the return to an active and productive state after a setback or period of inactivity. Furthermore, it implies a positive shift in someone's health condition, indicating their ability to move around, engage in regular activities, and be physically present and available.
In modern usage, "wert up and about" might be considered outdated and would typically be replaced with more contemporary expressions like "back on one's feet" or "on the mend." Nonetheless, it retains its historical value and gives insights into how the English language has evolved over time.