What does folklore mean Meaning and Definition
What Does Folklore Mean?
Pronunciation
/ˈfɒlkˌloʊrə/
Part of Speech
Noun, adjective
Definition
What does folklore mean: Traditions, customs, and stories that are passed down through generations, often related to a particular culture, society, or region, can include myths, legends, fairy tales, proverbs, riddles, and other forms of word-of-mouth storytelling. Folklore explores the human experience, providing insights into our collective past and present.
Examples
- The old woman told stories of local folklore at the village gathering.
- Folklore plays a significant role in shaping the cultural identity of many societies.
Synonyms
- Tradition
- Culture
- Custom
Antonyms
- Modern
- Allegorical
Etymology
The word folklore has its roots in the Old English words “folc” (people) and “lore” (knowledge). The term gained prominence in the 19th century, particularly in the works of William Morris and Andrew Lang, who popularized the concept of folklore as a field of study.
Usage Notes
The term What does folklore mean can be used in various contexts, including academic, literary, and everyday conversations. When using the term, consider the specific culture or society being referred to, as folklore can vary greatly across different regions and communities.
Cultural References
Folklore has been featured in numerous works of literature, music, and film, including:
- The Brothers Grimm’s fairy tales
- Traditional African and Asian folklore
- The musical “Fiddler on the Roof”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Some common idiomatic expressions related to folklore include:
- “Folk wisdom”
- “Cultural heritage”
- “Timeless tales”
Related Words or Phrases
Words and phrases closely related to folklore include:
- Mythology
- Legend
- Legendry
Collocations
Common word combinations with folklore include:
- “Folklore and mythology”
- “Cultural folklore”
- “Folklore and tradition”
Frequency of Use
The term What does folklore mean is commonly used in academic and literary contexts, particularly in the fields of anthropology, sociology, and cultural studies.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of folklore include:
- Folclor
- Follore
- Folker