Kissin' Cousins May 2026

: Since the 1930s, dictionaries have defined a "kissing cousin" as a relative known well enough to be greeted with a formal kiss, such as a peck on the cheek.

: Throughout much of human history, marrying cousins was common to preserve wealth, maintain social status, or secure political alliances. An estimated 80% of all historical marriages were between first or second cousins. Kissin' Cousins

: In the Southern United States, the phrase emphasizes strong family ties where even distant relations are treated as close kin. Cultural and Legal History : Since the 1930s, dictionaries have defined a