Unc

Definition:

Short for "uncle," used to teasingly label someone as old, out-of-touch, or unfamiliar with current trends

Context:

The term originates from African American Vernacular English (AAVE), where "unc" traditionally referred to an older male figure in the family or community, typically someone over 35 or 40 who had earned that title. In its original context, being called "unc" was often a sign of respect & establishment within Black communities.

However, Gen Z and especially Gen Alpha has transformed the term into a viral meme starting in the early 2020s, with "Unc Status" becoming shorthand for the moment someone realizes they're acting old or culturally disconnected. While the term can be used ironically among friends or self-deprecatingly (as in "I'm officially unc status now"), some argue it's often overused, even being applied to people in their mid-20s.

Example:

^{(real & recent😭)}

Me: *misuses a Gen-Z slang phrase*

Sister: “Wow — do you even know what that means unc??”