"Calling people by their relation." I want to know if there is a better way to say this. Maybe replace the word "relation" with something else.

When you don't use names and you call your brother or friend, my friend and my brother. You are calling people by their relation.

That's one possible context that could clarify the meaning I want to convey.

Question

"Calling people by their relation." I want to know if there is a better way to say this. Maybe replace the word "relation" with something else.

When you don't use names and you call your brother or friend, my friend and my brother. You are calling people by their relation.

That's one possible context that could clarify the meaning I want to convey.

Answer

You could say, "Calling people by their relation to me."  I am used to "relation" being used for extended family who are related to you by marriage rather than blood or who are related by blood but more distantly.  It would be super odd for my siblings or a friend to call me a relation.  That is why I would say: "Referring to them by their relationship to me."

Answer

Calling people by their relationship with you.