noun
Common
folks
fohks
Folks (noun) means informal term for one's parents or immediate family. Example: “He's driving home to visit his folks this weekend.”
noun
1
Informal term for one's parents or immediate family.
"He's driving home to visit his folks this weekend."
"My folks are coming to stay with us for Christmas."
"I rang my folks to tell them the good news."
2
People in general, used casually to address or refer to a group.
"Thanks for coming out tonight, folks."
"Some folks just don't like change."
"Old folks in our village still know every neighbour by name."
How to use folks
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA casual word for "parents/family" or for "people" in general.
When to use it
"Folks" is informal and warm-sounding — common in spoken English, less so in formal writing.
Common pairings
my folks
howdy folks
good folks
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He's driving home to visit his _____ this weekend.
Etymology
Coined by the California historian Kevin Starr.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for folks
See all rhymes for folks →Frequently asked questions
What does “folks” mean?
The word “folks” means informal term for one's parents or immediate family. In plain terms, a casual word for "parents/family" or for "people" in general.
How do you pronounce “folks”?
“Folks” is pronounced fohks (/foʊks/ in IPA).
How do you use “folks” in a sentence?
Here is “folks” used in a sentence: “He's driving home to visit his folks this weekend.”
What part of speech is “folks”?
“Folks” is a noun.
Is “folks” a common word?
“Folks” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “folks” have?
“Folks” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: informal term for one's parents or immediate family.
Does 'folks' mean parents or people in general?
It can mean either, depending on context. 'My folks' almost always means your parents or immediate family. But 'folks' on its own, as in 'hello, folks,' is a friendly way to say 'people' or 'everyone.' The possessive form, my, your, or their folks, signals the parents meaning.
Is 'folks' formal or informal?
'Folks' is informal and warm, at home in casual conversation rather than official writing. It sounds friendly and down-to-earth, which is why speakers use it to address a crowd or refer affectionately to family. In formal contexts, 'parents,' 'family,' or 'people' would be used instead.
What is the difference between 'folks' and 'family'?
'Family' is neutral and broad, covering all relatives, and fits any setting. 'Folks' is informal and, when someone says 'my folks,' usually points specifically to parents. Choosing 'folks' adds a casual, affectionate tone that the more general word 'family' does not carry.
What is an example of 'folks' meaning parents?
You might hear, 'I'm heading home to see my folks over the holidays,' where folks clearly means parents. Or, 'My folks met in college.' In both, the speaker is talking about their mother and father in a relaxed, affectionate way.
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