Pronunciation: [wɒst lˈa͡ɪk] (IPA) 
"Wast like" is a Scottish colloquialism that means "almost." The spelling of this phrase reflects its pronunciation, where "wast" is pronounced with a "w" sound at the beginning, and the "a" sounds like the "a" in "cat." The "s" is silent, and the "t" at the end is pronounced as the "ch" in "loch." The word "like" is pronounced as it normally is, with a long "i" and a hard "k" sound at the end.
Wast like is a phrase that can be traced back to Old English, specifically to the Old English word "wǣron," which means "were" in modern English. "Wast like" itself is an archaic and poetic construction, which refers to something that is similar or resembles something else. It is derived from the combination of the Old English word "wǣron" and the word "like," which indicates similarity or comparison.
"Wast like" is typically used to describe the likeness between two entities or objects, emphasizing their resemblance or similarity. It highlights the parallel characteristics shared by the compared items. This phrase conveys the idea that the two entities being compared have similar attributes, qualities, or appearances.
The usage of "wast like" can be found in older works of literature, poetry, and songs. Its archaic and poetic nature gives the phrase a distinct flavor and lends it a more lyrical quality. While "wast like" is an outdated construction nowadays, it is still occasionally encountered in literary contexts, antique texts, or historical writings that mimic older styles. The phrase serves as a reminder of the evolution of the English language, showcasing the linguistic changes that have occurred over time.
The phrase "wast like" is not a distinct word in itself, but rather a combination of two words: "wast" and "like".
- "Wast" is the second-person singular past tense of the verb "be" in old English. It corresponds to the modern English word "were". For example, "thou wast" means "you were".
- "Like" is an adjective that means similar to or resembling something.
So, when put together, "wast like" is an old English way of saying "you were similar to" or "you were resembling". However, it is important to note that "wast like" is not a commonly used term in modern English.
