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What is an Aunt and Uncle Called Together?

Published in Family Relations 2 mins read

While there isn't a single, widely recognized common English word to collectively refer to both aunts and uncles, a suggested term for this group is avunculi.

The Term for Aunts and Uncles

In English, we have specific terms for individual family members like "aunt" and "uncle," and collective terms for some groups, such as "parents" for a mother and father, or "siblings" for brothers and sisters. However, a singular, everyday word to encompass both aunts and uncles together has historically been absent from general vocabulary.

The word avunculi has been proposed as a collective noun for aunts and uncles. It is derived from the Latin word "avunculus," which specifically means "uncle." This suggested term aims to fill the lexical gap for a collective reference to these extended family members.

Understanding "Avunculi"

The scope of "avunculi" can extend beyond just your immediate parents' siblings. It encompasses a broader range of relatives, including:

  • Your parents' siblings (your direct aunts and uncles).
  • Your grandparents' siblings (your great-aunts and great-uncles).
  • Even your great-grandparents' siblings, and so forth.

Essentially, "avunculi" refers to all individuals who are the siblings of your direct ascendants (parents, grandparents, etc.).

For instance, if you were discussing a family gathering, instead of saying "My aunts and uncles will be there," you could potentially say, "My avunculi will be there" to refer to this specific group of relatives collectively.

Why a Collective Term?

The development or adoption of a collective term like "avunculi" can offer several benefits:

  • Precision: It allows for a more precise and concise way to refer to a specific group within the extended family without having to list each individual type of relation.
  • Efficiency: It streamlines communication, making it quicker to refer to all aunts and uncles simultaneously.
  • Completeness: It addresses a gap in the English language, providing a designated term where one has been lacking.

Comparing Family Collective Nouns

To illustrate the unique position of "avunculi," consider how other family groupings are commonly referred to:

Family Grouping Common Collective Term Proposed/Formal Collective Term
Mother and Father Parents
Son and Daughter Children, Kids
Brother and Sister Siblings
Grandmother and Grandfather Grandparents
Aunt and Uncle (None widely used) Avunculi
Cousins Cousins

While "avunculi" is not yet in widespread use, it represents a precise and logical way to collectively describe your aunts and uncles.