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

Welcome! Wow, a word like that would be really handy, Randy. I have a friend I would describe the way you describe yours. Let's hope someone comes up with something good.

I have about 5 friends like this. It's so strange. Several of them I only talk to about once every 4 or 5 years. But when we do talk, it's like we never parted company.

I consider each of them my best of friends. I'm much closer to any of them than I am to any of the good friends I have today. And I always refer to them as "my best friend" in conversation. Sometimes someone will ask, "But you said this other person was your best friend."

"Well, yes. So I did."

bosom buddy:

a sworn friend; a best friend and companion.

It's probably a bit dated, but it's what came immediately to mind.

compadre

(one of my) oldest friend(s).

in many cases, "old friend" would probably fit the bill.

Life friend. You'd still have to make some explanations.

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.

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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.

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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.