Monday, May 11, 2009

Is there a word that encompasses both nieces and nephews?


Search
: is there a word that means both niece and nephew

Why: I have one of each. "Sibling" = both brothers and sisters; "parent" = both fathers and mothers.

Answer: No, not in English. In 17th century America, the word "cousin" was used as a gender neutral term for nieces and nephews, but faded away due to confusion. And the Hopi have such a term, in keeping with their complex systems of clanship.

One suggestion is the made-up term "nibling" (niece/nephew + sibling).

Source: AllExperts

The More You Know: There is also no word that encompasses both aunts and uncles. Piblings? Aurents? Maunts and funcles?