Journey of Ants, Aunts, and Aunties

The topic of this post was inspired by the following question:
"I'd like to know why you write what appears to be a first name followed by Auntie.  Instead of saying Aunt Jane, is Jane Auntie in India?" asked a good friend on Sawyer's blog.

ANTS-the main bug problem we have in our home; found mainly in small cracks in the kitchen during the summer.

AUNTS- pronounced like 'ants'-endearing name given to sisters of Mommies and Daddies.  Sawyer has 2 of them: Aunt Kara and Aunt Misty!!  But in India, they are not called Aunts.  Each aunt/sister has a different name.  The wife of your Daddy's older brother is Tayee.  The wife of your Daddy's younger brother is Chachi.  The sister of your Daddy is Bhua.  The sister of your Mommy is Masi .  The wife of your Mommy's brother is Mami.  And that's just sisters/aunts.  One of our favorites is Sawyer's Uncle Jay (his Daddy's sister's husband) which is Phuper-ph is pronounced as just an aspirated (with breath) p.  Have fun with that one!!  Check out lots of other relationship names here.

AUNTIES-pronounced like AHnties-respectful way to address an elderly woman similar to Mrs. or Ms. in English.  So any older woman to Sawyer is 'Given Name' Auntie!