Did someone at the hospital ask you to list your next of kin in your admission form? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The expression ‘next of kin’ describes your closest living relative through a legal or blood relationship. The phrase appears in contract law, specifically surrounding inheritance and medical emergencies. A living will cover the inheritable assets of a deceased person and takes precedence over the rights of the next of kin when distributing the assets held by the deceased estate.
It’s common to see this term used in insurance policies, retirement accounts, and wills, where the deceased nominates their beneficiaries as their ‘next of kin.’ You’ll also find ‘next of kin’; used on medical forms, such as hospital admission contracts, when the patient must list their next of kin as an emergency contact.
Example Usage
"Please can you fill out this form, sir? Make sure you leave us the details of your next of kin for our records. We need their address and phone number for emergencies."
"Please can you leave us the details of your next of kin? We need that information for our records. If anything happens to you, we know who to call."
"My brother is my next of kin. I've left his details on the fridge; you can contact him anytime. He's always available."
"My sister is my next of kin. You can reach her at the following number. Don't call her unless it's an emergency, or she'll get super stressed."
"Who is my next of kin? I don't understand what you mean by that? Is it someone I know, a family member? Or may partner? Let me know what you want me to complete here."
"Is your next of kin available to collect the deposit box in the event of your passing? We need to know who to notify to collect your things in the event of your death."
"The next of kin get the estate and all the assets in their portfolio. They're going to be a millionaire, so we must conduct thorough due diligence."
Origin
The expression ‘next of kin’ originates from the mid-18th century and the introduction of the inheritance law act in the 1760s. The term's original use in the act referred to setting a precedent for the inheritance of assets and property when the deceased died intestate.
The introduction of the law required people to set up a kinship list. This list included all their relatives and the relationship they have with them. For instance, siblings, parents, cousins, etc. The law required the person to list their kin, starting with their closest relative at the top of the list, working down it in priority.
Phrases Similar to Next of Kin
- Closest family member.
Phrases Opposite to Next of Kin
- Someone unrelated to you.
What is the Correct Saying?
- Next of kin.
Ways People May Say Next of Kin Incorrectly
The phrase 'next of kin' doesn't suit social or casual conversations. For instance, asking your friend who they're next of kin is would be an awkward conversation. Instead, you would ask them who their closest relative is. Using 'next of kin' in this context would seem overly formal and perhaps pompous.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Next of Kin
You can use the phrase 'next of kin' in professional situations when addressing a person's closest family remember. Typically, the term suits legal terminology in contract law. For instance, you would complete an indemnity form at a hospital, notifying the medical team of your next of kin if something happens to you while under the hospital's care.
You could also use it in professional situations where you ask a person for the details of their closest family member. For instance, if you take a security deposit box at a bank, they'll ask you for your next of kin details. The bank uses these details to notify your next of kin to collect your assets in the event of your death.