They are not (are) CATER-COUSINS

Insights

Harmony and Compatibility

The phrase metaphorically represents a state of perfect harmony and compatibility. To be 'cater-cousins' is to be perfectly aligned in thought, interest, and temperament, much like idealized family members.

Intimate Alliance

It serves as a metaphor for a trusted alliance or partnership. The bond of 'cater-cousins' implies a deep, reliable connection that goes beyond mere acquaintance into a realm of mutual support and shared purpose.

Fragility of Friendship

When used in the negative, the proverb symbolizes the fragility of social bonds. A single disagreement or betrayal can be enough to ensure two people will 'never be cater-cousins', highlighting how quickly closeness can turn to discord.

Linguistic Evolution

The term's evolution from the French 'quatre-cousin' (fourth cousin) to mean 'intimate friend' is ironic. This linguistic shift reflects how social relationships are constructed, where a term for distant kinship was repurposed to describe a chosen, non-familial closeness.

Literary and Social Context

Used frequently in Elizabethan and Jacobean literature, notably by Shakespeare in 'The Merchant of Venice', the phrase serves as a colloquial and vivid indicator of social harmony or discord, revealing the nuances of personal relationships and social alliances in the period.

Psychological Nuance

The proverb, especially in its negative or qualified forms ('scarce cater-cousins'), captures the psychological reality of strained or cooling relationships. It provides a specific label for the ambiguous space between friendship and animosity, highlighting the human need to define the precise nature of social bonds.

Rhetorical Devices

Archaic Idiom

The core of the proverb is the archaic idiom 'cater-cousins', a colorful and historically rich term whose unfamiliarity to modern audiences adds to its charm and impact.

Alliteration

The alliterative 'c' sound in 'cater-cousins' makes the phrase phonetically pleasing and memorable, contributing to its endurance as a proverbial saying.

Litotes

The frequent use of the phrase in the negative (e.g., 'scarce cater-cousins') is a form of litotes, or understatement, which subtly emphasizes the degree of discord by denying the existence of a close friendship.