I remember the first time I came across the term “twice removed,” I had no idea what it meant.
It happened during my cousin’s wedding when everyone started talking about our family tree, and suddenly this phrase popped up. I thought, “What does twice removed even mean?”
Instead of ignoring it, I decided to figure it out. I slowly realized that it describes the generational difference between cousins—how far apart they are in the family tree.
It was actually kind of fascinating, and I even made some notes to make sure I fully understood it.
🧠 What Does Twice Removed Mean in Text?
In plain English, “twice removed” is used to indicate the generational difference between two relatives.
- If your cousin has a child, that child is your first cousin once removed.
- If your cousin has a grandchild, that grandchild is your first cousin twice removed.
Example Sentence:
“My mom’s cousin’s son is my first cousin twice removed.”
In short:
Twice Removed = Two Generations Apart = Distant cousin relationship
📱 Where Is Twice Removed Commonly Used?
Twice removed isn’t really a “slang” in the texting sense, but it can appear in social chats when people discuss family history, ancestry, or jokingly exaggerate distant relatives.
Popular places you might see it:
- 🏠 Family group chats on WhatsApp
- 📱 Social media posts about genealogy (Facebook, Instagram)
- 🎮 Casual gaming or forum chats discussing family or lineage
- 👩💻 Blogs about ancestry and family trees
Tone: Mostly formal or neutral, but can be used playfully in casual conversation.
💬 Examples of Twice Removed in Conversation
Here are some realistic texting examples:
A: “So, who’s that guy in your family pic?”
B: “Oh, that’s my first cousin twice removed 😅”
A: “Wow, your family is huge!”
B: “Yeah, some are second cousins, some are twice removed 😂”
A: “Is he your nephew?”
B: “Not exactly, he’s my cousin twice removed”
A: “Family reunion this weekend?”
B: “Yep, including my second cousin twice removed!”
A: “I don’t even know half of these people”
B: “Same… all cousins twice removed 😆”
A: “Wait, how are you related to him?”
B: “First cousin twice removed — confusing I know lol”
🕓 When to Use and When Not to Use Twice Removed
✅ When to Use:
- Talking about family trees or genealogy
- Explaining distant family relations
- Casual chats about relatives with friends
❌ When Not to Use:
- In urgent or professional emails
- When clarity is more important than technical accuracy
- Avoid if the listener might get confused without context
Comparison Table:
| Context | Example Phrase | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Friend Chat | “That’s my cousin twice removed 😄” | Casual & friendly |
| Work Chat | “I have a distant relative twice removed” | Neutral & factual |
| “Please note my relation to X is twice removed” | Clear & professional |
🔄 Similar Slang Words or Alternatives
Even though twice removed isn’t slang, there are similar terms or alternative ways to describe family distance:
| Term | Meaning | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Once Removed | One generation apart | Casual or genealogy talk |
| Second Cousin | Cousin of your parent’s cousin | Neutral, friendly conversation |
| Distant Relative | General term for far-away family | Casual or formal conversation |
| Great-Aunt/Uncle | Parent’s aunt/uncle | Family discussions |
| Ancestor | Family member from earlier generation | Historical or genealogy context |
❓ FAQs
Q1: Is twice removed the same as second cousin?
Not exactly. Second cousin refers to someone who shares great-grandparents, while twice removed describes the generational difference.
Q2: Can I use twice removed in casual texting?
Yes! Especially if you’re joking or explaining distant relatives. Emojis can make it playful: 😅😂
Q3: How do I figure out who is twice removed?
Count the generations: if someone is two generations apart from you but shares a common ancestor, they are twice removed.
Q4: Is twice removed formal or casual?
It’s neutral and factual. You can use it in both casual chats and formal family discussions.
✅ Conclusion
Understanding twice removed doesn’t have to be intimidating.
Whether you’re exploring your family tree, chatting with relatives, or just curious about distant cousins, this term simply tells you how far apart you are in generations.
While it’s not a “slang” you’ll see on TikTok every day, it’s useful, accurate, and even fun to use when showing off your genealogy knowledge!
So next time someone says “first cousin twice removed,” you’ll know exactly what they mean — and maybe even drop it casually in your next chat 😄.

Liam Bennett is a dedicated content writer who creates clear, engaging, and well-structured articles.
He focuses on delivering practical information that is easy for readers to understand and apply.
Liam Bennett currently writes high-quality content for repliesnest.com, ensuring clarity and reliability.