ongkl
The English word "uncle" is translated into Jamaican as ongkl.
The term is used to refer to the brother or brother-in-law of someone's parent.
Meaning: brother (or brother-in-law) of someone’s parent (noun)
Did you know?
- Using ongkl when speaking to a stranger is a common social strategy to build rapport. It can act as a linguistic 'icebreaker' that makes a person more approachable when asking for directions or a small favour.
- If you use the term ongkl to address an older man you may actually be performing a social duty rather than just using a kinship term. In many communities, failing to use such respectful titles for elders can be seen as a lack of proper upbringing.
- While ongkl is the phonetic spelling, it is an example of how English words are often adapted to follow the rhythmic and phonetic patterns of Jamaican Patois.
Examples in context
- Mi ongkl a come visit today.My uncle is coming to visit today.
- Dat man a mi ongkl.That man is my uncle.
- Yuh ongkl live down a Kingston?Does your uncle live down in Kingston?
Example conversation
Damion and Shanice are talking about family members.
- DamionShanice, yuh see mi ongkl roun' here?Shanice, have you seen my uncle around here?
- ShaniceNo, mi nuh see him.No, I don't see him.
- DamionHim did a come fi stay wid mi.He was supposed to come stay with me.
- ShaniceMaybe him deh a di next shop.Maybe he is at the next shop.
