Latinx families can be large and complex, especially when you consider both immediate and extended relatives. This can be overwhelming, especially for someone from a culture where smaller families are the norm. To help break it down, a couple on TikTok called @elgringo_sabe, consisting of a Bolivian Latina and her American husband, created a humorous family tree breakdown.
Their TikTok account features various videos where the husband shares what he has learned about Latino culture since being with his wife. They cover everything from calming a fussy baby through dancing to discussing the never-ending supply of paper towels.
While all their videos resonate with users, their breakdown of family dynamics between their two cultures is particularly impactful.
The husband starts by explaining his straightforward family structure, and then delves into the complexities of Latino family ties
It all started when the wife asked her husband what he liked about Latinos for Latino Heritage Month. His response was that he loved the close-knit nature of her family, as well as her extensive knowledge of her extended family tree. In a follow-up video, the husband used “infographics” to illustrate the difference between his family’s structure and his wife’s.
His family consists of his parents, their siblings, some cousins, and his grandparents. He explained that his cousin’s children are called “second cousins.” This is different from the way Latino families view extended relatives.
The “infographic” he created for his wife’s family was much more detailed. It included her immediate family, close relatives, her grandparent’s siblings, and their kids. He also explained how younger “cousins” are considered “nieces and nephews.”
He even mentioned that non-blood relatives are still considered part of the Latino family tree. For example, your mom’s best friend would be your tÃa, and his tÃa too.
Many internet users applauded his depiction of the Latino family tree and its intricacies
Latinos on the app felt seen and related to the husband’s description. Some even pointed out relatives that were missing from the tree. Other BIPOC users also mentioned that their own families resemble the complex structure of the Latino family tree.
Another person commented on the simplicity of using “primo” for anyone in your age range or younger and “tÃa/tÃo” for anyone older, to avoid confusion.
However, some pointed out that age doesn’t always help in determining the family relationship, with examples of a 3-year-old being called “tÃa” and a 45-year-old being called “nephew.”
One user joked about the complexity of including friends and lovers in the family tree, saying, “You’re missing the extended family from fathers and uncles’ love affairs.”
Lastly, someone mentioned the similarities between Arab and Latino family trees, suggesting that combining the two would require a large tablecloth to accommodate all the relationships.
Image Source: In The Know