kissing cousin

noun
1.
See under kissing kin.
2.
something closely related or very similar:
a textile that is a kissing cousin to nylon.
Origin
1935-40

kissing kin

noun
1.
any more or less distant kin familiar enough to be greeted with a kiss, as a cousin (kissing cousin)
Slang definitions & phrases for kissing cousins

kissing cousin

noun
  1. A relative close enough to be kissed in salutation, hence anyone with whom a person is fairly intimate: The two species will often prove to be kissing cousins, for they'll crossbreed/ You guys talk like kissing cousins
  2. A close copy: He had a kissing cousin of Montgomery's mustache (1940s+)

Idioms and Phrases with kissing cousins

kissing cousins

Two or more things that are closely akin or very similar. For example, They may be made by different manufacturers, but these two cars are kissing cousins. This metaphoric term alludes to a distant relative who is well known enough to be greeted with a kiss. [ c. 1930 ]