interjection
uncle
A cry admitting defeat or asking for mercy.
He finally cries uncle after his brother keeps tickling him.
Etymology
The surrender expression uses the ordinary kinship word. Why it acquired this function is uncertain; specific origin stories are unproved.
More examples
- Uncle! I give up; you win.
- The exhausted player jokingly shouted uncle.
- She would rather concede than be made to cry uncle.
Forms
uncle