Say Cry Uncle

Etymology:

• It is a 20th century American phrase, which became popular later on. It is not known why the expression has “uncle” and not “aunt “or any other word suggesting surrendering or giving up. It might have originated from ancient Rome or Ireland. In old Irish the word for protection is anacol (that sounds like uncle). Some also believe it might have originated from Latin expression patrue mi patruisimme means “uncle my best of uncles” which some had shouted this in difficulty but no one is really sure about it.