Experts have weighed in on what ‘unc’ means as they reveal that many people are still at a loss over its definition, and whether they should be offended if called it.
People complaining about the younger generation and the language they use isn’t exactly new, with the younger generations swooping in and seemingly changing up the language we've known and loved for decades.
Just like you did with your friends, as the years pass, new words get invented and old ones get redefined or repurposed, and ‘unc’ seems to be the one on a lot of people’s lips.
Mainly, because they struggle to actually know what the word means means while also wondering why Gen Z are calling people in their 30s ‘unc’ on social media.
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Data has shown that ‘unc meaning’ searches are up globally 74 percent, and according to the experts, ‘unc’ seems to have replaced ‘Ok Boomer’ quite significantly in people’s vocabulary.
For those who have forgotten, ‘Ok Boomer’ used to be a phrase that would rile up some people online due to the memes and for good reason.
Anna Pyshna, spokesperson for Preply, explained why that is, saying: “'OK boomer’ became a cultural shorthand for dismissing older viewpoints. It signaled a generational divide as a way for younger people to say, politely or not, that ‘you’re out of touch.’ It was sharp, reactive, and rooted in frustration.”
This differs from the meaning for ‘unc’, however, as according to Pyshna, it had a more positive connotation and was less dismissive.
She continued: “By contrast, ‘unc’ is a softened update. It still refers to someone slightly older, but the tone is more playful than confrontational. It can signal respect, familiarity, or gentle teasing rather than dismissal.
'Unc' is a shortened form of 'uncle', but its meaning online has evolved far beyond literal family ties. While it technically refers to someone older, in practice, it’s used much more loosely.
“Anyone, even someone in their early 30s, can be called ‘unc’ if they carry a certain older-sibling or uncle-like energy. Essentially, ‘unc’ can just mean someone is operating with a laid-back, or older, vibe.”
So while the term can still be used insultingly, all in all, it appears the term is used affectionately to someone of an older generation by Gen Z.
Now you know this, you can go show all those youngsters how 'down' and 'with it' you are with their lingo.
Err.. 67, am I right?
Gerrard Kaonga