Holler uncle Meaning in English
expression
ˈhɑɫɝ/ /ˈəŋkəɫ
HAH-ler UN-kul
hˈɒlɐ/ /ˈʌŋkəl
HOL-uh UN-kuhl
Definition
To admit defeat or surrender, especially in a playful or physical struggle, usually by saying 'uncle'. Often used with children.
Usage & Nuances
Very informal, mainly in playful or child contexts. In real games or roughhousing, the person losing must 'holler uncle' (literally say 'uncle') to admit defeat. Rarely used by adults, and uncommon outside North America.
Spanish: rendirse - pedir clemencia (expresión infantil)Portuguese (BR): pedir arrego - se render (expressão infantil)Portuguese (PT): pedir desculpa - render-se (expressão infantil)Chinese (Simplified): 求饶 - 认输（儿童用语）Chinese (Traditional): 求饒 - 認輸（兒童用語）Hindi: हार मानना (बच्चों की बोली) - माफी माँगनाArabic: يستسلم (تعبير أطفال)Bengali: আত্মসমর্পণ করা - দয়া চাওয়া (শিশু ব্যবহার করে)Russian: сдаваться - просить пощады (детское выражение)Japanese: 降参する（子供の表現） - 勘弁してと言うVietnamese: xin chịu thua - cầu xin tha (cách nói trẻ con)Korean: 항복하다 - 살려달라고 하다 (어린이 표현)Turkish: pes etmek - affetmesini istemek (çocukça ifade)Urdu: ہتھیار ڈالنا - رحم کی درخواست کرنا (بچوں کی زبان)Indonesian: menyerah - minta ampun (ungkapan anak-anak)
Example Sentences
If you want me to stop tickling, just holler uncle.
basic
During the game, Tommy finally hollered uncle when he couldn't get free.
basic
To win, make your opponent holler uncle.
basic
"Okay, okay! I holler uncle! You win!"
natural
The kids wrestled until someone had to holler uncle.
natural
Nobody ever made my big brother holler uncle.
natural