<P> "Say' uncle'!" is a North American expression demanding that the opponent in a contest submits . The response "Uncle!" is equivalent to "I give up" and indicates submission . There are two theories as to the origin of the term; one relates to the Roman Empire; alternatively the expression may have originated in a 19th - century English joke about a bullied parrot . This use of this term is also very common in Arabian Peninsula countries "gol aami" "say uncle" "قول عمي". </P> <P> In the United States and Canada, the idiomatic expression "Say' uncle'!" may be used as an imperative command to demand submission of one's opponent, such as during an informal wrestling match . Similarly, the exclamation "Uncle!" is an indication of submission--analogous to "I give up"--or it may be a cry for mercy, in such a game or match . </P> <P> Although it is often regarded as an Americanism, there are at least two differing theories as to the true origin of the phrase: ancient Rome and 19th - century in England . </P> <P> The 19th - century England theory says it comes from an English joke about a bullied parrot being coaxed to address his owner's uncle . </P>

Where did the expression say uncle come from