So, you have your cousins and then you have your first cousins…
While Karen from Mean Girls was very confused about family lineage, I’ve always wondered what exactly the difference is between second cousins and cousins once removed. I guess it seemed like kind of weird thing to ask about growing up because in our house, family is family—the end.
Fortunately, I’ve discovered this handy chart that lays it all out for me. You’ll find it extremely interesting if you have a big extended family like I do. So, check it out and maybe it’ll give you something to chat about during the holidays this year.
Chances are, you’ve probably wondered at some point in your life what exactly the difference is between a second cousin and a cousin once removed.
No Karen, NO.
Fortunately, we’ve discovered this handy dandy chart to help you figure it out.
Let’s break it down. The term “once removed” refers to a difference in generations.
Basically, your mom’s first cousin is also your first cousin, but once removed.
“This is because your mother’s first cousin is one generation younger than your grandparents and you are two generations younger than your grandparents, ” according to an article on Genealogy.
“This one-generation difference equals ‘once removed.’ Twice removed means that there is a two-generation difference. You are two generations younger than a first cousin of your grandmother, so you and your grandmother’s first cousin are first cousins, twice removed.”
And your second cousin is the child of your parent’s first cousin (your cousin once removed).
Make sense?
It’s pretty simple once you’ve got it down and now you can even share it at your next holiday party.
“Hey guys, did you know that…?”