Word
unc
Countable noun
Definition
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.
Examples
“What's up, unc? How have you been?”
“The younger players on the court always look to unc for advice because he has been playing there for decades.”
“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.”
Examples
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.”
Usage
Commonly used as a vocative or a title before a name in informal speech.
Real-World Examples
“Others have nicknamed him “unc” – internet slang for someone out of touch .” “He will make his debut for the University of North Carolina (UNC) as they take on Texas Christian University.” Etymology
Clipping of uncle.
Clipping of uncoordinated.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/unc