Overview

The term sister comes from Old Norse systir which itself derives from Proto-Germanic *swestēr, both of whom have the same meaning, i.e. sister. Some studies have found that sisters display more traits indicating jealousy around their siblings than their male counterparts, brothers.[2] In some cultures, sisters are afforded a role of being under the protection by male siblings, especially older brothers from issues ranging from bullies or sexual advances by womanizers.[3] In some quarters the term sister has gradually broadened its colloquial meaning to include individuals stipulating kinship.[4] In response, in order to avoid equivocation, some publishers prefer the usage of female sibling over sister.[5]