ENGLISH
REFERENCE

unc

n. countable
C2 Proficiency unc Informal

n. a friendly way to address an older man, often used by younger people to show respect or a casual connection. It is a short way of saying 'uncle'.

n. a colloquial term of address for an older male, typically used by younger speakers to denote a familiar or respected elder. A clipped form of 'uncle' that has gained significant traction in modern digital and youth slang.


SIMPLE

What's up, unc? How have you been?

CONTEXTUAL

The younger players on the court always look to unc for advice because he has been playing there for decades.

COMPLEX

While technically a familial term, the usage of 'unc' in urban environments functions as a social marker of seniority and communal respect among non-relatives.

Etymology 1

Clipping of uncle.

Etymology 2

Clipping of uncoordinated.

Usage

Commonly used as a vocative or a title before a name in informal speech.

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