Crossword Genius

Occasionally funny caller (relatively speaking!) (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

uncle

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'relatively speaking' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how one could define the other.

'occasionally funny caller' is the wordplay.
'occasionally' means one should take alternating letters.
'funny'+'caller'='funnycaller'
The alternate letters of 'funnycaller' are 'UNCLE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for uncle that I've seen before include "Dad's brother" , "A parent's brother" , "Pawnbroker's nickname" , "Male relative - pawnbroker" , "Sam, perhaps" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.