Of a Afternoon
In 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.
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I hear folks say ‘of a afternoon’ sometimes. It’s not an everday thang, but it’s still around in mountain talk. I hear folks say ‘of a afternoon’ sometimes. It’s not an everday thang, but it’s still around in mountain talk. Pronunciation
Meaning & Usage
- Time of day (afternoon) (adverbial phrase)
When’d the storm hit?Late of a afternoon, right ‘fore supper.Origin and Etymology
The "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.
Usage Notes
You’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 Southerner
Say it smooth and flowing: "of a afternoon." The "of" is quick, almost "o’," giving it that old-fashioned lilt.