Know Your English (Aug 2001)

Know your English

Which is correct? "Co-brother" or "co son-in-law?"

Indians, particularly those from the south, use the terms "co- brother" and "co son-in-law" to refer to one's wife's sister's husband. Native speakers of English however do not use these terms. Co-brother and co-son in law are terms used in Indian English alone. If you were to introduce someone as your "co- brother" to a native speaker of English, he/she would not understand you. Within the Indian context, I guess, we can continue to use the terms.


Source:
The Hindu daily, Tuesday, August 14, 2001