‘叔爸’ (shū bà) is a regional kinship term used primarily in parts of southern China—especially Fujian and Taiwan—to refer to one’s father’s younger brother. Literally, 叔 means ‘younger uncle’ (on the father’s side), and 爸 means ‘father’; together they form an affectionate, hybrid title that reflects both respect and familial closeness. Unlike the standard term 叔叔 (shū shu), which is neutral and widely understood, ‘叔爸’ carries warmth and familiarity, often indicating that the uncle plays a quasi-parental role—perhaps living nearby, helping raise the child, or being especially involved in daily life.

This term is not standard Mandarin and rarely appears in formal writing or national media. It belongs to spoken, localized dialect-influenced usage and may be unfamiliar to speakers from northern or western China. Its structure highlights how Chinese kinship terms can blend to express nuanced social relationships—not just biological ties, but emotional proximity and functional roles within the family.