aback of
Behind something, the old mountain way of saying in back of.
Also called a-back of, back of.
Updated September 21, 2026
aback of pronunciation
/uh-BACK uv/
Meaning
A place word meaning to the rear of something. The woodpile sits aback of the shed. The trail runs aback of the ridge. Same job as behind or in back of, just older mountain flavor. Not related to being taken aback.
How folks use it
- “Park aback of the store by the loading dock.”
- “There's a spring aback of the house if you follow the path.”
Origin and etymology
Aback of is older Scots and northern English for behind. DARE and Smoky Mountains dictionaries still record it in Southern Appalachian speech. Ulster settlers helped carry related forms like back of into American English.
Frequently asked questions
Does this have anything to do with taken aback?
No. Taken aback means surprised. Aback of just means behind.