Definition of kissing cousin

The term "kissing cousins" refers to individuals who are related by blood but not by marriage and share a great deal of genetic heritage, to the extent that they may have a similar appearance and possibly even kiss as if they were indeed related by marriage. The phrase originated in North America during the 19th century, where it was commonly used to describe two people who lived in close proximity and shared similar cultural traditions, often leading to intermarriage. However, the term "kissing cousins" gained broader usage in the 20th century, as it was also associated with individuals who were geographically close and had a common gene pool due to genetic drift, inbreeding or shared ancestry. The expression is derived from the notion that close cousins might be likely to share affectionate gestures and be depicted as having a romantic relationship, as was the case in certain traditional societies where marriages between first or second cousins were common. However, in contemporary Western culture, the term "kissing cousins" is typically used in a more lighthearted and less intimate context, to describe close relatives who may have a closer kinship bond than typical cousins but who are not considered love interests or romantic partners.