set afar (set afire)

In Southern and Appalachian speech, "set afar" (from "set afire") means to set something on fire-ignite it. Older English kept "afire," and regional speech often reduces it to "afar."

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Hillbilly Dude Says...

I heard 'set it afar,' and still hear it. But less, so I'm saying it's more old timers.

Pronunciation

[set uh-FAR] /sɛt əˈfɑːr/

Meaning & Usage

- To ignite; cause to burn (verb phrase)

Mae:

Don’t pour that on the coals!

Earl:

You’ll set it afar in a heartbeat.

- Figurative: to inflame or stir up (verb phrase)

Mae:

That gossip done set the town afar.

Earl:

Sure did-ever’body’s riled.

variations: set afire, set on fire, ignite, set alight, put a match to

★ This is the older English pattern "a-" + noun/adjective (like "afire," "awake," "ashore"). Southern/Appalachian speech preserves "afire," and in fast talk it often sounds like "afar." ★

Origin

From older or poetic English "afire" ("on fire"). Especially in the South and South Midland, "set afire" has continued alongside the now-standard "set on fire." The reduced pronunciation "’far" reflects natural vowel weakening in rapid speech.

Notes

Use "set afar" in quoted dialogue or informal writing to capture dialect flavor. In formal prose, "set afire" or "set on fire" is clearer to outside readers.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it natural: "afire" clips to "’far" in quick speech → "set ’far." You’ll hear "done set it ’far" in excited retellings.

Kin Topics

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Common Questions

Is "set afar" a mistake?

No-it’s the regional pronunciation of "set afire," an older, perfectly good English form.

Which should I write-"afire" or "afar"?

For dialect authenticity, "set afar." For clarity to outsiders, "set afire" or "set on fire."

Does it only mean literal fire?

No-it can be figurative for stirring up trouble or strong emotion ("set the crowd afire").