kissing cousin
Definition
Noun: 1. A relative who is not a member of one's immediate family but is familiar or close enough to be greeted with an affectionate kiss, typically on the cheek. 2. (Figurative) A person or thing that is closely related, similar, or analogous to another.
Usage
The term is used to describe a familial or metaphorical relationship that is close but not extremely intimate or direct. It implies a comfortable, friendly familiarity.
Examples
- Literal (Family):
- My grandmother's sister's granddaughter is my kissing cousin; we see each other at every family reunion.
- We're not siblings, but we're kissing cousins, so we grew up spending holidays together.
- Figurative (Similarity):
- The new software is a kissing cousin to the popular program, sharing many of the same features.
- Jazz and blues are kissing cousins in the world of music.
Advanced Usage
- The term often carries a connotation of Southern U.S. or traditional family culture where such greetings among extended family are customary.
- In its figurative sense, it is used in comparisons to indicate a strong resemblance or close connection without being identical.
Variants and Related Words
- Kissin' cousin: An informal, often dialectal spelling reflecting pronunciation.
- Distant cousin: A more neutral term for a relative from a different branch of the family, but without the implied familiarity of greeting.
- Second cousin: A specific genealogical term for a relative with whom one shares great-grandparents.
Synonyms
- Distant relative
- Close relative (in the figurative sense)
- Analogue
- Counterpart
Idioms and Phrases
- "(Close) enough to be kissing cousins": Used to emphasize the similarity or close relationship between two things.
- Their political ideologies are different but close enough to be kissing cousins.
Noun
-
a more or less distant relative; familiar enough to be greeted with a kiss
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