  O'the AfternoonIn Appalachian and older rural English, "o’the afternoon" means "in the afternoon." The "o’" is a contraction of "of," giving the phrase an older, more formal sound that lingered in mountain talk. Hillbilly Dude Says...  I hear 'o’the afternoon sometimes. It's not an everday thing, but it's still around. Pronunciation[uh-thuh af-ter-NOON] Meaning & Usage- Time of day (afternoon) (adverbial phrase)
Mae:
When’d the storm hit?
Earl:
Late o’the afternoon, right ‘fore supper.other spellings: of the afternoon, in the afternoon, and o’ the afternoon ★ "O’the afternoon" feels more formal and story-like than "in the afternoon." It shows up in oral storytelling and older speakers’ everyday talk. ★ OriginThe "o’" contraction for "of" is centuries old in English. While most places dropped "o’the" in favor of "in the," Appalachian speech preserved it, echoing older British and Scots-Irish patterns. NotesYou’ll hear "o’the afternoon" mainly from older generations or in deliberate storytelling. Younger speakers tend to just say "in the afternoon." The form adds a touch of old-time flavor to a tale. Say It Like a SouthernerSay it smooth and flowing: "o’ the afternoon." The "o’" is quick, almost swallowed, giving it that old-fashioned lilt. | About We are a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia, but wide as the world. Read more... |
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