EVERYONE has heard of the friend zone, the phrase thrown around by men when they are rejected by a love interest which he's pursued and failed to win over.

But now Chris Rock has revealed even worse a fate specifically for men rejected when perusing sex with younger women: the "uncle zone".

4 Chris was recently divorced from his wife and spoke about the Rihanna incident to the audience of the Tonight Show Credit: Getty

Whilst appearing on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon alongside Adam Sandler, the 53-year-old spoke about his decision to make a play for 30-year-old Rihanna after his divorce.

Rock explained he was dismissed by the Barbadian singer, who the comedian said 'didn't even register him as a sexual being', as if she was supposed to be attracted to him.

Upset, he told Jimmy Fallon: "When a girl says she doesn't want to have sex with you, at least she's contemplated sex with you, but I was like, in the uncle zone."

His unusual word choice was used to emphasise just how much Rihanna wasn't interested, by choosing family member over even a 'friend'.

4 The comedian apparently was rejected by the singer who had no idea of his sexual advances Credit: REX

According to the actor, Rihanna was clueless that he was trying to flirt, as if she would even be aware that a man 23 years older than her would try such a thing.

Rock's word choice has not gone down well on social media, with women taking offence that he would suggest Rihanna was available to him just because he wanted her to be.

They criticised how he presumed that the musician and fashion icon would be interested in him, and how his disappointment showed he really was convinced of his success before even asking.

Women have been suggesting that the 'uncle zone', amongst the 'friend zone', is a way to make them feel guilty for taking control of their own bodies.

4 The actor has been slammed on social media for the use of the term 'uncle zoning' Credit: Getty Images - Getty

One woman on Twitter said: "The thing about phrases like 'uncle zone' is they presume access to someone's affections until you get rejected. It's gross."

Another added: "Why do most men act like all women are supposed to be accessible to them or that they should be acknowledged by them? Ladies, please continue to 'uncle zone' these trash heaps."

Feminist writer Rebecca Reid agreed, saying: "Just because you want to sleep with a nubile young woman doesn't mean you should be able to."

The thing about phrases like "friend-zone" or "uncle-zone" — even when said as jokes — is they presume access to someone's affections/body until or unless the zoning occurs. It's gross. No one owes you anything just because you're feeling feelings. pic.twitter.com/t7y7Vy8oxc — Nina Metz (@Nina_Metz) April 30, 2018

Rihanna is 30. Chris Rock is 53.



I bet there are plenty of people, including women aged 40-60, that Chris Rock doesn't register as sexual beings. https://t.co/zyh3ylILux — close to ideal (@ifonlyella) April 29, 2018

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That Chris Rock and Rihanna thing. Chris Rock is probably used to a lot of women her age being impressed by his prestige and money. She has her own prestige and money, and she is sexy as hell and she has access to men with what he has and beyond. — Household Government (@LadyBugAssassin) April 30, 2018

4 Rihanna was apparently unaware that Chris Rock was trying to flirt with her Credit: Corbis - Getty

If you're a fan of Rihanna, find out how she and her Saudi boyfriend are set to rule the showbiz world together.

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Read more about Chris Rock's naughty habits after he admitted to cheating on his ex-wife with three women in an honest stand-up show.