Visit with Old Friends

Friends of my parents, and in-laws, from the 1950’s visit my MIL after Christmas most years. We had lunch with them on the 30th, and brought mom with us. While mom seemed to have a good time, she was mute 99% of the time, responding only to social cues, and a lively conversation that started by my MIL asserting that there was no English word to describe the relationship between herself and my mother. When I suggested the relationship was called “In-laws” my MIL told me I was incorrect. The Google promptly proved my point. Then the old family friend said there was a Yiddish word that described the relationship. This pleased mom to no end. Google revealed Machatunim.