#152567 - 12/23/05 02:18 PM
Looking for a "Relational" Word
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stranger
Registered: 12/23/05
Posts: 3
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I just had a chance yesterday to spend some time with my best friend from high school (we've now know each other a little over half our lives). He lives in another state so we only get to see each other every couple of years, which obviously creates some distance.
Last night, I was trying to find the right word to describe our relationship. "Best friend" doesn't seem quite accurate at this point, and almost seems to have been over used to the point where it's lost its meaning. "Closest friend" doesn't work either, but a simple "friend", or even "good friend" or "close friend" doesn't convey the depth.
I finally settled on a concept: "as close as a brother." There are also a couple of females that I consider "as close as a sister." Using the term "brother" or "sister" is confusing when talking to people, as I then have to explain that they're not biological siblings. The same is true when I try "adopted brother" or "adopted sister".
So, is there a word (even in another language) that carries this "as close as a brother" or "as close as a sister" concept that I can use when talking to them or about them, as when saying "This is Andy. He's my _________,"? Granted, I'd still have to explain myself, but at least it wouldn't be awkward, and might even teach people a new word.
Thanks!
- Randy
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#152570 - 12/23/05 03:29 PM
Re: Looking for a "Relational" Word
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Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 07/17/00
Posts: 3467
Loc: Marion NC
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bosom buddy:
a sworn friend; a best friend and companion.
It's probably a bit dated, but it's what came immediately to mind.
_________________________
TEd
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#152571 - 12/23/05 07:34 PM
Re: Looking for a "Relational" Word
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Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 09/06/00
Posts: 2788
Loc: Seattle, Washington, USA
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#152573 - 12/24/05 07:42 AM
Re: Looking for a "Relational" Word
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old hand
Registered: 03/15/00
Posts: 1010
Loc: Switzerland
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in many cases, "old friend" would probably fit the bill.
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#152575 - 12/30/05 10:49 AM
Re: Looking for a "Relational" Word
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stranger
Registered: 12/23/05
Posts: 3
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Quote:
Compadre (for men) and Comadre (for women) is spot on.
The definition of compadre and comadre defines the special relationship between the parents and the godparents of a child. The reality of the word usage in the common sense is a friendship with a person that you would trust with the life and wellbeing of your child, whether that person is a godparent to your child or not or even if you had a child or not.
Well, it looks like these words are basically what I'm looking for. Thank you (to all who have offered suggestions). I resisted compadre at first because, while its definition is what I need, its connotation is so much more colloquial, even casual in its usage. Nevertheless, if that's the word, I'll have to use it, and then explain to people (including the ones I'm describing) what I mean when I do.
I'm still open to other ideas, too, though. Anything in an ancient language, a less-common language, or any other for that matter?
In the mean time, and possibly long-term as I get comfortable with it, I'll be using compadre and comadre.
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#152576 - 12/30/05 05:05 PM
Re: Looking for a "Relational" Word
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veteran
Registered: 05/25/02
Posts: 1529
Loc: Aladamnbama the most watered s...
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"Home Boys"
Think about it.
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