An Avuncular Father Figure
A recent news article (fake or not, I cannot tell) described a certain Russian diplomat as “an avuncular father figure”. Given that “avuncular” is a derivative of “uncle”, the expression “avuncular father figure” conjures up some rather creepy images of too-close families up in banjo country. I don’t know if Russian diplomats are like that, or not.
The journalist in question likely had the best of intentions, but never bothered to check the definition. Granted, the Urban Dictionary describes “avuncular” as a male past his prime, who is indulgent of younger people and no longer of interest to women. But that’s the Urban Dictionary, reflective at best of street talk, and hardly the source for a journalist who wishes to pontificate on international affairs. All serious dictionaries stick with the “uncle” source.
The point is that there are various levels of language, and if you want to be taken seriously as a professional or a weighty commentator, you had better use the Queen’s English in a serious fashion. Street talk may be cool, and “guy talk” over a few beers may be fine amongst the guys, but when the general public is entitled to take your measure, you need to watch your spelling, your grammar, and your definitions. No matter how clever you may be, if you sound goofy, you will not be taken seriously.
Sorry. That’s just the way it is.