folklore
FOHK-lor
/ˈfoʊklɔːr/
The traditional beliefs, customs, and stories of a community, passed through the generations by word of mouth.
Typically refers to the unwritten, popular literature (myths, legends, jokes, songs) of common people, rather than formal history or high literature.
The story behind the word. Before 1846, scholars referred to popular stories and traditions as 'popular antiquities' or 'popular literature'. An English antiquarian named William Thoms found these terms clumsy and invented a brand-new, Anglo-Saxon-rooted compound: 'folk-lore', literally meaning 'the learning of the common people'. The word caught on instantly and was adopted by many other languages.
Word relationships
- mythology: Mythology usually refers to a structured system of sacred stories about gods and the creation of the world, while folklore includes everyday tales, superstitions, and local customs.
- lore: Lore is a broader term for traditional knowledge on any subject, such as 'herbal lore' or 'maritime lore'.
- history: History is the documented, factual record of past events, whereas folklore consists of oral traditions that may be highly embellished.
Commonly confused with
- folk music: Folk music is specifically the musical tradition of a community, whereas folklore is the entire umbrella of stories, beliefs, and customs.
Word family
- folkloric (adjective): Of, relating to, or characteristic of folklore.
- folklorist (noun): An expert in or student of folklore.
Collocations
- traditional folklore
- local folklore
- rich folklore
- study of folklore
Example sentences
- "The old grandmother loved to share spooky tales from Irish folklore." Discussing traditional storytelling.
- "In Japanese folklore, the fox is a clever shape-shifter with magical powers." Analyzing cultural symbols.
Memory hook
Folklore is the 'lore' (stories and knowledge) of the 'folk' (common people). The lore of the folk.
When not to use
Do not use to describe documented, official historical records or scientific facts.
Fun facts
- The Brothers Grimm did not actually write their famous fairy tales; they were folklorists who traveled around Germany collecting oral folklore from peasants and middle-class citizens.
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