I have three from my mom and three from my dad and I HATE that expression! I grew up with three of my siblings and we are just a close as siblings who share both parents. Just because we don't have two blood lines flowing through us(however you word that) means that we aren't as close? I know it's just an expression, but I cannot stand it.

No, I don't find it insulting. I have two brothers and one of them is from my step-dad but I don't love him any less than I would if we had the same dad. I've honestly never understood why people make such a big deal over it. Unless, of course, you or someone else tries to make it into a bad thing. That I could understand.

I have an older half-sister that I grew up with. We don't share the same father but she's always just simply been my "sissy." I don't use the term half-sister when talking about her, but I don't find it insulting, either.

I am not one to talk, seeing as the only sibling i have is very whole indeed. but if the ppl that are /have half-siblings find it insulting, then it should be.

I don't see anything wrong with it. I always refer to my half brother and half sister like that.

i have 6 "half siblings" and we love eachother as much if we were fully blood related

^^^Thank You!

I have several. If I had to call them just "siblings" I'd probably deny their existence altogether.