cette après-midi de Fête des Pères

Question

I just wanted to confirm that "cet après-midi" would have also been acceptable ? I didn't realise it, but there seems to be a polemic about the gender of après-midi, it can apparently be either masculine or feminine, but l'Académie favours the masculine.

Does that seem reasonable in the context of this dictée ? Any other comments anyone ?

Thanks, Paul.

see this link

https://forum.lefigaro.fr/forum/affich-490-cet-ou-cette-apres-midi

Accepted Answer

Hi Paul, 
Both 'cet après-midi' (masculine) and 'cette après-midi' (feminine) are given as options in the exercise as both are acceptable.
It is often shortened to 'cet aprem' in everyday language.
It is true to say that the Académie favours the masculine but you will find that in practice both are used.
Bonne Continuation!

Answer

True, après-midi can either be feminine or masculine.