Vanemlaps

Vanemlaps is an Estonian term that literally translates as “a parent’s child” (vanem = parent, laps = child). It is used primarily in specialized contexts such as linguistic description, genealogy, or formal documentation to refer to a child in relation to a particular parent. In everyday Estonian, people typically specify the parent when needed (for example, ema laps or isa laps) or simply say laps depending on the context.

Etymology and usage notes: the term is a compound formed from vanem and laps, reflecting a kinship relation from the parent’s perspective. It is more common in academic or archival texts than in casual speech. The wording is neutral and non-specific about the child beyond the parental relationship, which can be useful in discussions of family structure, inheritance, or genealogical records where precise identification of a parent–child link is relevant.

Context and scope: vanemlaps does not replace more common phrases that name the individual child or specify the parent. It is a descriptive label that emphasizes the parental side of the relationship rather than a particular status of the child (such as biological, adopted, or foster) unless the surrounding context provides those details. It may appear in dictionaries, linguistic studies, or historical documents dealing with families and kinship.

See also: laps (child), vanem (parent), perekond (family).