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.

: In the Southern United States, the phrase emphasizes strong family ties where even distant relations are treated as close kin. Cultural and Legal History Kissin' Cousins

: It is often used to describe two separate things that share a close similarity or common origin, such as "politics and show business" or different types of fabrics. : Since the 1930s, dictionaries have defined a

: 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. : Throughout much of human history, marrying cousins

: Elvis Presley famously starred in the 1964 musical film Kissin' Cousins , where the title track lightheartedly suggests that a "distant cousin" is fair game for romance.

: Shows like 30 Rock and The Nanny have utilized the "accidentally dating a cousin" plotline to create humorous social friction.