Set Afar
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."
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I heard 'set it afar,' and still hear it. But less, so I'm saying it's more old timers. 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!
Don’t pour that on the coals!
Earl:
You’ll set it afar in a heartbeat.
You’ll set it afar in a heartbeat.- Figurative: to inflame or stir up (verb phrase)
Mae:
That gossip done set the town afar.
That gossip done set the town afar.
Earl:
Sure did-ever’body’s riled.
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 and Etymology
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.
Usage 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.