Uncle Dick – Meaning, Origin and Usage

Are you feeling under the weather? Maybe you want to refer to someone being unwell but prefer to avoid sharing the details. If so, then the phrase “Uncle Dick” will come in handy. If you have never heard this phrase before or are just unsure how to use it, we can help. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.

Meaning

The idiom Uncle Dick is a way of saying that you are sick or under the weather in slang. The phrase comes from cockney and is not often used outside of Britain. If you hear someone say they are feeling Uncle Dick, it means they are coming down with a bug, or are already feeling under the weather.

Uncle Dick may simply mean someone’s uncle Richard, but in Britain, it means not feeling well. Anyone who says that Uncle Dick is their reason for not coming, or doing something, means they have fallen ill. It can mean a seasonal illness like the flu or a cold, or it may even refer to something more serious. Basically, saying you are Uncle Dick or feeling Uncle Dick means that you are too sick to participate.

Example Usage

“I don’t think I am going to make it to the conference this weekend, I’m feeling Uncle Dick mate”.

“John is not going to make it to the wedding, he is Uncle Dick and out of commission for the week”.

“I hate to say it, but meeting you all for drinks is just not in the cards, I am feeling Uncle Dick and tired”.

“Are you Uncle Dick? You look a bit pale and weak, maybe you should see a doctor”.

Origin

Dick is a common nickname for the long-form name Richard. This nickname originated in the middle ages as the name followed a rhyming convention. Richard rhymed with Rick, which in turn rhymed with Dick. Over time, the nickname stuck. In modern times, the name Dick is still used in place of Richard, and one’s Uncle Dick is simply their Uncle Richard. The idiom or phrase Uncle Dick when used in Britain has a different meaning, though it also came about due to rhyming conventions.

The phrase uncle dick in Britain comes from Cockney slang which is based on rhyming. This form of slang is used almost exclusively in the UK and specifically is found in East London. The slang language was developed in the 19th century and mostly is used in East Britain. However, it is easily recognizable as far as Scotland and beyond. The slang rhyming convention was used to allow for more private conversations for those living in East London at the time. “Dick” rhymes with “sick” and the phrase “Uncle Dick” was created to refer to being unwell.

Phrases Similar to Uncle Dick

  • Under the weather
  • Coming down with something
  • Feeling blue
  • Not oneself
  • Bilious
  • Green around the gills
  • Indisposed

Phrases Opposite to Uncle Dick

  • Feeling great
  • Able-bodied
  • Healthful
  • Fresh
  • Hale and hearty
  • Robust
  • In fine fettle
  • Bright-eyed

What is the Correct Saying?

 

  • The proper way to say the phrase is – Uncle Dick.

Ways People May Incorrectly Say Uncle Dick

Some ways that Uncle Dick is used incorrectly are:

  • Hey, my Uncle Dick is coming over this weekend.
  • Do you like to be Uncle Dick? If so, then call it in.

Acceptable Ways to Phrase Uncle Dick

Some ways that Uncle Dick is used correctly are:

  • I don’t think Tabitha is coming in today, she called earlier and mentioned that she was Uncle Dick.
  • Little Timmy is really not looking well, I think he is a bit Uncle Dick. Maybe we should call his parents.
  • Are you sure that you are not Uncle Dick? You have a bit of a fever and your nose is red.
  • No plus one this weekend guys, too many people are Uncle Dick, so let’s keep the numbers low for safety.

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