Words for Nerds--Avuncular

Is avuncular peculiar? That depends on the definition. What does avuncular mean?

A. Like an uncle.
B. Peculiar, eccentric.
C. Unfriendly, peevish.
D. Pertaining to aviation.

Believe it or not, and this may be hard to believe, avuncular means ... like an uncle. The word, always carrying a positive connotation, is used to describe one who is cheerful, affable, tolerant, indulgent, and perhaps older.

Do you know any avuncular types at work? Avuncularity would seem not be a desirable attribute in the business world; perhaps that is true. Donald Trump, for instance, is definitely not avuncular. Gordon Gekko--no avuncularity whatsoever.

On the other hand, a healthy dose of avuncularity might be just what the doctor ordered for certain executive types. The legendary Sam Walton had avuncularity in spades, so they say. And he did OK.

As a former colleague of mine liked to observe,

"It's easier to catch bees with honey than vinegar."