’Long About That Time
In Southern and Appalachian storytelling, "’long about that time" means "around that time" or "approximately then." It’s a folksy time marker used to set the scene in oral histories and porch-talk narratives.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
In many stories out in the country, you're gonna hear '’long about that time.' Hillbilly Dude Says...
In many stories out in the country, you're gonna hear '’long about that time.' Pronunciation
[’LONG about that TAHM] /lɔŋ əˈbaʊt ðæt taɪm/
Meaning & Usage
- Approximately at that time (time phrase)
Mae:
When’d the trouble start?
When’d the trouble start?
Earl:
’Long about that time the sky turned black.
’Long about that time the sky turned black.variations: around that time, about then, right about then, ’long towards evening
★ This is a classic Appalachian/Southern way to open or pace a story. It softens "about then" with a rhythmic, old-time cadence. Great for scene-setting or porch-talk narratives. ★
Origin and Etymology
Especially common in the South and South Midland, this reflects the older English habit of using "a-" or clipped forms ("a-going," "’long") that still survive in Appalachian storytelling.
Usage Notes
Still heard today in rural speech and family storytelling. Outside the region it reads as quaint but gives an authentic flavor when quoting someone from the South/Appalachia.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it natural: often clipped further to "’long ’bout that time" with both "about" and "along" reduced.
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