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carnal

carnal, of the flesh

adjective kahr-NAHL Rare
People & Society Family

Origin: From Latin carnalis (of the flesh), from caro/carnis (meat, flesh).

Also means

first-degree (relation)

Usage Note

Carnal has two distinct registers. In a religious or literary context it means 'of the flesh' or 'sensual' — the opposite of espiritual. In Mexican Spanish, primo carnal means a first cousin (sharing the same grandparents), distinguishing from primo segundo (second cousin); carnal alone is also used as informal Mexican slang for 'mate' or 'bro.'

Examples

"Es mi primo carnal, hijo de mi tío."

Natural Translation

He is my first cousin, my uncle's son.

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