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.
Congratulations. This is lovely news. I hope she's getting a copy of the Etymologicon as part of her christening present. Andrea x
ReplyDeleteMarvellous news - please pass on my congratulations.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations. A niece and a book at the same time.
ReplyDelete