folks

"Folks" is a familiar way of saying people, kin, or community. While understood nationally, in Appalachian and Southern speech it often carries a warmer sense - meaning family, neighbors, or just plain "your people."

#Appalachia #People&Relationships #Southern

Hillbilly Dude Says...

You'll hear 'folks' used on a regular basis down here.

Pronunciation

[FOHKS]

Meaning & Usage

- Parents or family (noun, plural)

Mae:

Where’s your folks from?

Earl:

Up in Hancock County.

- People in general (noun, plural)

Mae:

Lots of folks showed up to the revival.

- Neighbors or community (noun, plural)

Mae:

Folks round here grow a lotta beans.

other spellings: people, kin, family, and neighbors

★ In Appalachia and the South, "folks" often means "family" or "kin." Outsiders may hear it as just "people," but locals use it with more closeness. ★

Origin

From Old English *folc* (people, tribe). Though used everywhere in English, Appalachia and the South kept "folks" as an everyday, familiar word for kin and community.

Notes

Nationally understood, but much more frequent in Appalachian and Southern talk. Carries a sense of warmth and belonging when used for family or neighbors.

Say It Like a Southerner

Said plain: "fohks." Sometimes shortened to "fokes" in quick speech.

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Does "folks" always mean family?

Not always. It can mean family, people in general, or neighbors - context tells the story.

Do people outside the South use "folks"?

Yes, but less often for "family."

Is "folks" formal or informal?

Informal. It’s the kind of word you hear at home, church, or around the community, not in official writing.