Why use the phrase "once removed"?

Question:

Why use the phrase "once removed"?

Instead of saying first cousin once removed why not just say it's your second cousin? I understand the "once removed" but wish the phrase would not be used!!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: A first cousin once removed is not the same as a second cousin. A child of your aunt or uncle is your first cousin. If that cousin has a child that is your first cousin once removed. That child would be a second cousin of your children. The "removed" denotes a different generation. and I once removed a splinter from my finger. Because they are; once removed from your parents or your cousin. Your father's first cousin is your 1C1R. Your third cousin's child is your 3C1R. Second cousins are children of first cousins. Third cousins are children of second cousins, and so on.

I know a guy who is Daniel Boone's first cousin - seven times removed. His 5th GGMother and Daniel were first cousins and lived about the same time. Daniel Boone had seventh cousins - probably lots of them - but most of them lived around his time, give or take 100 years. They were the children of his parents' sixth cousins.

In common usage, no one but a genealogist or someone with a famous person in their tree will say anything but "cousin" or "distant cousin". Use those two and you'll be happy. Leave us to make distinctions no one else cares about.

Most people don't care about the distinction between a plant and a star; they are both twinkly things you see at night. Astronomers and navigators care.

No one but contractors care about the difference between cement and concrete. No one but furniture restorers cares about the distinction between shellac, varnish and (clear) enamel.

Every special interest, field, occupation and hobby has their quirk.