Gavin Howe
English is lacking in terms to describe relationships beyond close blood relatives, and this is especially true for relationships by marriage. For example, what is your father-in-law's brother to you? Or your brother-in-law's father? While some cultures have specific words to describe these relationships, in English, we might simply refer to them as extended family. Some people choose to use terms like uncle or aunt when speaking to their grandchildren, to avoid confusion. However, it's important to note that these terms may not be considered objectively correct, and it's always a good idea to clarify who you're talking about to avoid misunderstandings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Relation by marriage | No direct relation |
| Relation by blood | No direct relation |
| Relation by common ancestor | Possibly a distant relation |
| Relation by law | No direct relation |
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What You'll Learn
No direct relation
Your father-in-law's brother is not directly related to you. In-laws are people you are related to by marriage. The brother of your spouse is your brother-in-law, and your spouse's siblings are your in-laws. Your brother-in-law's father is not your uncle or your father-in-law's brother.
Some people may choose to refer to their brother-in-law's father as their "uncle-in-law", but this is not technically correct. The correct term would be "father of husband/wife of sister/brother-in-law". This is because the relationship only extends as far as the person marrying into your family.
If you are using genealogical tools to map out your family tree, your brother-in-law's father would be referred to as "extended family". You could also ask him if he has a preference for what he would like to be called, such as "Uncle Bob" or simply by his name.
While there is no specific term for this relationship in English, it is important to remember that he is still part of your extended family and can be acknowledged as such.
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Extended family
The English language does not have specific kinship terms for relationships beyond close blood relatives. This is especially true for relationships by marriage. For example, your son's brother-in-law is also your grandson's uncle, but there is no specific word to describe his relationship to you.
Your brother-in-law's father is not considered a blood relative or a relative by marriage. They are simply "extended family". Genealogical tools would identify them as the "father of the husband of your sister-in-law" or something similar. You could also refer to them by their name, such as "Uncle Bob" or "Bob".
Similarly, your sister-in-law's in-laws are not directly related to you. They are your sister's in-laws, or your "sister's parents-in-law".
In-laws are typically reserved for your spouse's siblings, parents, and your siblings' spouses. For example, your spouse's sister's husband is your spouse's brother-in-law, not yours.
However, it is common to stretch these terms to include your spouse's siblings' spouses, i.e. your brother- or sister-in-law.
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Father of husband of sister-in-law
The father of your husband's sister-in-law is not directly related to you. In other words, this person is "absolutely nothing" to you in a genealogical sense. However, if you share a common ancestor somewhere further back in your family tree, you could be related in another way. For example, this person could be your fifth cousin.
In English, there is no specific word or title for the relationship between yourself and the father of your husband's sister-in-law. You could refer to this person as "extended family". Alternatively, you could ask them how they would like to be addressed, such as "Uncle Bob" or simply "Bob".
Technically, in-laws are reserved for your spouse's siblings, your spouse's parents, and your siblings' spouses. For example, your sister's husband is your brother-in-law, and his parents are your sister's in-laws. Consequently, you could refer to them as "my brother-in-law's parents".
To further illustrate the relationship between yourself and the father of your husband's sister-in-law, consider the following example:
Your wife's sister is your sister-in-law, and her husband is your brother-in-law. However, your brother-in-law's father is not your uncle-in-law, and he is not your father-in-law's brother either. He is simply the father of your brother-in-law, or "extended family".
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Uncle-in-law
The term "uncle-in-law" is not a widely recognized kinship term, and the relationship it describes can vary depending on cultural and personal contexts. In general, an "uncle" is a familial relationship describing a sibling of one's parent. However, the term "uncle" can also be used more broadly to refer to any older man with a close relationship to the family, especially in cultures with strong extended family networks.
In the context of "father-in-law's brother," the technical kinship term for this relationship is "uncle-in-law." This term describes the brother of one's father-in-law or mother-in-law. However, as in-law relationships are technically only formed through the marriage of one's spouse's siblings, parents, and siblings' spouses, this term may not be technically accurate in all cases.
For example, if your spouse's sister is married, her husband is your brother-in-law, but his father is not your uncle-in-law. In this case, the relationship could be described as the "father of the husband of your sister-in-law." This distinction is important in genealogical research, where precise terminology is necessary to trace family trees accurately.
However, in everyday conversation and within families, kinship terms are often used more flexibly and may not always adhere to strict technical definitions. Some people may choose to use the term "uncle-in-law" to describe their father-in-law's brother for simplicity or because it feels more comfortable or respectful. Ultimately, the usage of kinship terms can vary depending on personal and family preferences, cultural norms, and the context of the relationship.
It is worth noting that in some cultures and families, there may be specific terms or honorifics used to address or refer to the father-in-law's brother that are not direct translations of "uncle-in-law." These terms may carry cultural or relational nuances that are important to understand and respect when interacting with members of that culture.
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Cousin by marriage once removed
The father of your brother-in-law is not your father-in-law's brother. In fact, the two of you are not related at all. You may refer to him as your uncle-in-law, but this is not a relationship title that is commonly recognised. Most genealogical tools would identify him as the father of your husband's sister-in-law or similar.
Now, onto the term "cousin by marriage once removed".
A cousin by marriage is someone who is your cousin because of a marriage. They could be the spouse of your cousin or your spouse's cousin. Cousins can be related by blood or by marriage.
The term "once removed" means that there is one generation separating you and your cousin. This could be one generation above or below yours. For example, your parent's cousin is your first cousin once removed, and your cousin's child is also your first cousin once removed.
Therefore, a "cousin by marriage once removed" could refer to the spouse of your cousin's child or the spouse of your parent's cousin. Alternatively, it could refer to the child of your spouse's cousin or the parent of your spouse's cousin.
While the term "cousin by marriage once removed" is not commonly used, it could be used to describe these types of relationships. However, it is important to note that family terminology can be confusing and complex, and not everyone may interpret these terms in the same way.
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Frequently asked questions
Your brother-in-law's father is not your relative. They are the father of your father-in-law's son-in-law.
There is no specific term for your brother-in-law's father in relation to you. You can refer to him by his name or ask him if he has a preference, for example, "Uncle Bob" or "Bob".
Your wife's sister's husband's father is not related to you. He is your father-in-law's brother-in-law.
Your son's brother-in-law is your grandson's uncle and you are his sister's father-in-law. However, there is no simple term for your son's brother-in-law's relationship to you.
Your sister's husband's father is your sister's father-in-law. Consequently, you could also refer to them as your "sister's in-laws".
