Grandaunts

/ɡrænˈdɑnts/ noun

Definition

Plural of grandaunt; multiple aunts of one's grandparents.

Etymology

Plural of 'grandaunt,' a compound term from 'grand' + 'aunt' that remains somewhat regional in usage.

Kelly Says

Finding all your 'grandaunts' at a family reunion would mean gathering quite a few older women—the word is useful but less common, which is why many families never use it at all.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Plural of 'grandaunt'; same gendered asymmetry as singular. See 'grandaunt' entry.

Inclusive Usage

Use plural 'great-aunts/-uncles' or 'great-aunts and great-uncles' to reflect gender parity in genealogical distance.

Inclusive Alternatives

["great-aunts and great-uncles","great-aunts/-uncles"]

Empowerment Note

Plural form preserves the historical over-documentation of women's kinship roles in everyday language.

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