The term 'SHORT FAMILY MEMBER' can be represented by two crossword solutions: REL (3 letters) and UNC (3 letters). REL is an abbreviation for 'RELATIVE, ' which is a broad term used to describe any FAMILY MEMBER, such as a parent, sibling, aunt, UNCLE, cousin, etc. UNC is an abbreviation for 'UNCLE, ' which is a male FAMILY MEMBER who is the brother of one's parent or the husband of one's aunt. Therefore, the term 'SHORT FAMILY MEMBER' can refer to either a RELATIVE or an UNCLE.