Please explain how first, second, third and so on cousins work?

Question

Also what does ‘once and twice removed’ cousins work in that context?

In: 14

Answer 1

Imagine a stereotypical family tree. Siblings spreading out sideways, generations vertically.

“First, second” etc. Is how far you’re “sideways”, on the same level (same generation). Your first cousin is the child of your parent’s siblings. You share grandparents. A second cousin would be further away in the same generation, so the grandchild of your grandparents siblings. You share a great-grandparent (your grandparents parents).

“Removed” is the difference in generations (vertically). Your first cousin’s children are your first cousin once removed. Their children would be twice removed. Your second cousins parents (your parents first cousins) would be your second cousin once removed. So would be your second cousins children. Your second cousins grandchildren would be your second cousins twice removed.