From Deseret News archives:

Glossary of polygamy

Published: Monday, June 12, 2006 4:40 p.m. MDT
PRINT | FONT + - 
Some of the words and terms featured in the glossary of "The Primer," published by the Utah and Arizona attorneys general.

clan: The general public sometimes uses this term for different fundamentalist groups or communities. Some fundamentalists consider this an offensive term and say care providers should avoid using it.

committed relationship: Polygamous relationships (not legal marriages) that a man has with the mothers of his children.

gentile: Anyone who does not have the priesthood or is not a member of the various fundamentalist groups. Some also refer to them as "outsiders."

keep sweet: An admonition to be compliant and pleasant despite the circumstances.

other mother: Children in polygamous families often use this term to refer to their biological mother's "sister-wives." It should be noted that "other mothers" might also be biologically related — such as an aunt, cousin, etc.

uncle: "Uncle" may refer to a biological uncle, an FLDS prophet or a title of respect or endearment to an elder in the family or community. Some children in the Kingston community call their own father "uncle" as a term of endearment or reportedly as a way of protecting the father's identity.

About this ad

View Comments

DeseretNews.com encourages a civil dialogue among its readers. We welcome your thoughtful comments.

– About Comments

rss icon

Recommended in Utah

Story

A once vibrant 14-year-old is often too sick to get out of bed. Her health has been like that for nearly two years.

Story

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Salt Lake Olympics gives everyone a chance to remember.

Story

A Salt Lake City couple is working to ensure safety improvements are made at a dangerous intersection.

In News Across Site

No. Utah sees a major earthquake every 350 years. Last one? 350 years ago.