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What does unc mean? And why is everyone saying it?
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You’ve probably seen people on TikTok calling each other “unc” or saying someone has “unc status.” It’s a lighthearted way of calling someone old, and has its roots in African American Vernacular English. We’ll explain more about what it means, signs someone is an “unc,” how to use the word, its origin, and related slang to keep you up-to-date with online lingo.
Explaining “Unc”
“Unc” is an African American Vernacular English term that’s short for “uncle.” People on TikTok and Twitter/X often use it to call other people old, especially when they’re considered to be acting much older than they really are.
Steps
Section 3 of 5:
Using “Unc”
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Use “unc” or “unc status” to joke about a friend acting too old. Got a friend who seems to be aging comfortably into their elder status, even though they’re only 19? Or maybe they really are just getting plain old. Call them “unc” to let them know that they’re not the young buck they used to be.
- Example: “Sorry, unc, I’m just too fast for you. Maybe you could’ve taken me 5 years ago.”
- Example: “Hey unc, you’ve still got your phone from 2015. Time for an update, maybe?”
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Use “unc” to talk about your actual uncle. Of course, “unc” can also just be used to talk about your real, actual uncle, even if they don’t necessarily have unc vibes. But they usually have unc vibes. That’s what makes them your uncle. (And that they’re your mom or dad’s brother, of course.)
- Example: “My unc’s picking me up in 10. We’re getting ice cream.”
- Example: “How’s it going, unc? Long time no see, how’s Aunt Carol?”
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Origin of “Unc”
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“Unc” was popularized online by a TikTok from 2021. In June 2021, TikTok user @callmechosen85 uploaded a video with the caption “When You Realize You’ve OFFICIALLY Reached ‘Unc Status…’” featuring someone calling him “unc” in passing, then a shot of him sitting deep in the thought on the sidewalk. The video has gathered 900,000 views, and likely helped bring the term to the internet. [2] X Research source
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“Unc” was brought into the mainstream by rappers like Gucci Mane. Even before the TikTok’s Gucci Mane used the word “unc” in his 2014 song “On The Way,” and J. Cole used the word in his 2018 song “Brackets.” [3] X Research source Artists like these likely helped popularize the word before it reached the internet.
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“Unc” is a common word in African American Vernacular English. Keep in mind that “unc” isn’t just a catch-all term for “uncle.” In reality, it has its roots in African American experience and language. Traditionally, it’s been used by African American people to talk about their own family members, and to describe their specific and personal experiences with those family members, which has a lot to do with one’s culture.
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Oldhead This is another AAVE term that’s used to refer to an elder, someone with old tastes, or someone who has quite a bit of life experience and now passes it on to the younger generations. [4] X Research source
- Example: “That oldhead Jamie taught me how to fix a car engine.”
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Beekeeping age This is a lighthearted term for an older, attractive man. It originated from the animated comedy show Rick and Morty , in a scene where two characters admire an older man who’s keeping bees. [5] X Research source
- Example: “I’m tired of immature guys. I want a man who’s beekeeping age.”
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References
- ↑ https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/unc-unc-status
- ↑ https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/unc-unc-status
- ↑ https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/unc-unc-status
- ↑ https://marylandmatters.org/2023/05/09/baltimores-old-head-culture-understanding-the-different-levels-of-respect-in-baltimores-vernacular-english/
- ↑ https://www.vice.com/en/article/epvayj/beekeeping-age-meaning-what-women-want
About This Article
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