   Of a AfternoonIn Appalachian and older rural English, "of a afternoon" means "in the afternoon." This older British-style phrasing lingered in the mountains long after it faded elsewhere. Hillbilly Dude Says...  I hear folks say ‘of a afternoon’ sometimes. It’s not an everday thang, but it’s still around in mountain talk. Pronunciation[UH-vuh af-ter-NOON] Meaning & Usage- Time of day (afternoon) (adverbial phrase)
Mae:
When’d the storm hit?
Earl:
Late of a afternoon, right ‘fore supper.other spellings: of the afternoon, in the afternoon, o’ the afternoon ★ "Of a afternoon" feels more formal and story-like than "in the afternoon." It’s a holdover from older British and Scots-Irish speech patterns and shows up most in oral storytelling and among older speakers. ★ OriginThe "of a ___" construction is centuries old in English (e.g., "of a Sunday"). While most regions shifted to "on" or "in," Appalachia preserved it, echoing older British and Scots-Irish patterns brought over by settlers. NotesYou’ll hear "of a afternoon" mainly from older generations or in deliberate storytelling. Younger speakers tend to just say "in the afternoon." Using it adds an old-time flavor to a tale. Say It Like a SouthernerSay it smooth and flowing: "of a afternoon." The "of" is quick, almost "o’," giving it that old-fashioned lilt. | ...
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