   Of a SundayIn Southern and Appalachian speech, "Of a Sunday" means "on Sunday" - a regional time expression rooted in older English dialects. #SouthernSayings #Appalachia #Time #DialectandGrammar #OldTimers #Southern Hillbilly Dude Says...  'Of a Sunday' is more regional and old timers. I didn't hear it growin' up, but you can hear it a couple counties over. Hillbilly Dude Says... 'Of a Sunday' is more regional and old timers. I didn't hear it growin' up, but you can hear it a couple counties over. Pronunciation[UHV a SUN-day] /ʌv ə ˈsʌndeɪ/ Meaning & Usage- On Sunday (day of the week) (time expression)
Pearl:
When do y’all usually go visiting?
Jeb:
Mostly of a Sunday after church.variations: On Sunday, Sundays, Of a Morning, Of a Evening, Of a Night ★ The "of a + time" construction (of a morning, of a night, of a Sunday) is a hallmark of Appalachian and Southern speech. It comes from older British dialect grammar where "of a" meant "on" or "during." ★ Origin and EtymologyFrom Middle and Early Modern English constructions using "of a" + time to mean "during" or "on." Carried to the American South and Appalachia by Scots-Irish and other British settlers, it persisted as a regionalism long after disappearing from standard English. Usage NotesStill widely heard in rural Southern/Appalachian speech, especially among older speakers. Outside the region it sounds quaint or old-fashioned but is easily understood as "on Sunday." Say It Like a SouthernerSay it natural: "of a Sund’y" - often runs together as "of a Sund’y" or "of a Sunday" in everyday speech. | ...
About Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more... |