Having a brother is a special experience. Unlike a girlfriend, you have someone to laugh with, share inside jokes with, and to be there when you need a boo boo. A brother is also a great way to put a breakup in perspective. He will remind you of the best of times and worst of times, and will help you get over a sex related hump. Having a little brother is a gift that keeps on giving.
It is no secret that people born with the same parents have more in common than you would expect. They share a sense of humor and an affinity for the same types of food, sports, and games. They might even watch the same television shows and comedians. In fact, some families actually live in the same house and have the same address.
The word “brother” comes from the Old English broder, derived from Proto-Germanic *brothar, the Greek adelphos meaning “brother of the womb,” and the Latin germanus meaning “full brother.” It has been used across Indo-European languages. The most important thing to know is that “brother” does not mean the same as “husband” or “boyfriend.”
A “brother” is also a first degree relative. Usually, this means a child is considered a sibling if both of his parents are alive. A full brother is defined as the first degree relative, whereas a half-brother is a second degree relative. In the United States, a “half-brother” or “step-brother” is a child who has been adopted or is the stepchild of one or both of his parents. In other words, if your brother has been in the family for a long time, then he is definitely a part of the family.
There are many other similar but lesser known terms. The word “best” is often misused as the same as the phrase “best friend.” In this instance, “best” means the best of two or more choices. The best in this context means the best choice based on consideration and weighing the pros and cons of each option. The best of two choices can be a better choice than the best of three or the best of four.
The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language states that the word “best” is used in a number of other idioms. Among these are the “best” and the best “stuff.” For instance, the best gift may be the best gift basket, but the best thing to give your wife is a gift card for a spa treatment. In addition, the best t-shirt is often the one with the best logo. The best pair of shoes may be the ones that are the least expensive. Similarly, the best car may be the cheapest.
The aforementioned omg omg is a surprisingly large number. In the real world, you probably won’t get many such compliments, but you might be pleasantly surprised. A nice gesture might be to let your little brother know that he has done something for you. A big sister might want to thank her little brother for a small favor.