A new piece of slang is sweeping through the lexicon of Generation Alpha, and it's being used to describe anyone they perceive as older. The term 'unc' has exploded in popularity, moving from niche online spaces to mainstream celebrity culture, prompting questions about its meaning and implications.
What Does 'Unc' Actually Mean?
At its core, 'unc' is a shorthand for 'uncle', but it's not about family ties. It's a figurative label applied to individuals who exude an 'older-sibling or uncle-like energy'. According to data from the language-learning platform Preply, online searches for the word 'unc' now reach a staggering 5.9 million per month, with queries for its meaning rising by 74%.
The term gained significant traction after a viral TikTok in July, where content creator Riley Hardwick declared he had just discovered he was both 'chopped' (meaning ugly) and 'unc' after chaperoning at a school prom. For Gen Alpha, the age threshold for 'unc' status can be surprisingly low; one teacher reported a student suggesting it could apply to anyone as young as 20.
Celebrity Endorsement and 'Uncle-Like Energy'
The slang has quickly been adopted by A-list celebrities, cementing its place in popular culture. Pop star Sabrina Carpenter recently used the term to affectionately describe record producer Jack Antonoff. Meanwhile, actor Timothée Chalamet marked his 30th birthday with an exuberant Instagram post declaring, "TIMMYTIM IS OFFICIALLY UNC".
So, what are the hallmarks of this 'uncle-like energy'? Signs reportedly include enjoying the sitcom Friends, knowing the lyrics to the Black Eyed Peas' 'I Gotta Feeling', and being baffled by newer slang like 'six-seven'. It's a playful checklist of millennial and Gen X cultural touchstones.
A Softer Alternative to 'OK, Boomer'?
While some have wondered if 'unc' is Generation Alpha's version of the dismissive 'OK, boomer', linguists suggest there's a key difference in tone. A spokesperson for Preply explained that using kinship terms like 'unc' acts as a form of 'linguistic softening'. It is considered more playful and familiar than confrontational, often signalling gentle teasing or a form of respect rather than outright dismissal.
This practice has deep roots in many cultures, particularly across Asia and Africa, where 'auntie' and 'uncle' are commonly used as respectful terms for non-relatives. The term also has a history in African American Vernacular English (AAVE), though its usage there can be complex, ranging from respectful to derogatory. Some commentators have even called out younger users for misapplying the term to people under 30.
The rapid adoption of 'unc' by the youngest generation highlights the ongoing evolution of language in the digital age. It represents a new, arguably gentler way for generations to define their differences, wrapped in the familiar guise of family terminology. Whether it sticks or becomes dated remains to be seen, but for now, if you need to ask what it means, you might just be one.
