Folk means people in general, or a particular group of people, like your family or community. It can also describe traditional culture, music, and stories passed down through generations.
“Folk” comes from Old English “folc,” meaning “people” or “nation,” from a Proto-Germanic root. It originally referred to a people as a group rather than individuals.
When we say “folk music” or “folk art,” we’re pointing to creativity that grows from everyday people, not from formal schools. The word quietly honors the idea that culture belongs to everyone, not just experts.
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