Wednesday 12 October 2011

Nice Niece News


I am unclified*. I have joined the avunculate**. I am an eme*** and an oom****. My patruity***** has come upon me. I should therefore toddle off and see my new niece.


*Turned into an uncle
** Maternal uncles regarded as a collective body (so saith the OED)
*** Uncle (Old English)
**** An older man, especially an uncle. (South African)
***** The condition of being an uncle (as opposed to paternity).

P.S. Last week's posts on uncleship were on time. My niece was not.

3 comments:

  1. Congratulations. This is lovely news. I hope she's getting a copy of the Etymologicon as part of her christening present. Andrea x

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  2. Marvellous news - please pass on my congratulations.

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  3. Congratulations. A niece and a book at the same time.

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