avuncular

[prettygoodword]

avuncular (uh-VUHNG-kyuh-ler) - adj., of or pertaining to an uncle; acting like an uncle, as in being kind, patient, generous, and so on, especially to younger people.


The latter being not exactly a metaphoric extension, but more an extension by association. Coined in 1831 from Latin avunculus, maternal uncle (who in many cultures, ancient Rome, is traditionally more friendly to his niblings than his paternal counterpart), diminutive of avus, grandfather (from PIE root *awo-, adult male other than one's father, and man that's a fascinating glimpse of PIE society, that they had a word for that).

I think I've run this word before, but it's a nice enough word to repeat.

---L.

Comments

[thistleingrey]

It's a great word! "Uncle-like" when spoken needs so much explaining, and somehow the times I'd had to define "avuncular" for someone have gone more smoothly. Less potential for semantic distraction, perhaps.

[prettygoodword]

Less potential for semantic distraction, perhaps.

That's a good way of putting it.