folkie: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal
Quick answer
What does “folkie” mean?
A person who enjoys, performs, or is an enthusiast of folk music.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who enjoys, performs, or is an enthusiast of folk music.
A term for someone deeply involved in the folk music scene, often implying a preference for traditional or acoustic styles over mainstream commercial music. Can sometimes carry connotations of a particular lifestyle or set of values associated with the folk community.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar in both varieties, as the term originates from and is confined to the international folk music subculture. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Generally neutral to positive within the in-group. May be used slightly more self-referentially in the UK, where the folk scene has deep historical roots. In the US, it might more specifically contrast with fans of mainstream country or pop.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, used almost exclusively within the niche of folk music enthusiasts.
Grammar
How to Use “folkie” in a Sentence
[be/become] a folkie[gather with] other folkies[cater to] the folkiesVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rarely used, except perhaps in ethnomusicology or cultural studies discussing subcultures informally.
Everyday
Used informally among people with an interest in music, particularly folk music.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “folkie”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “folkie”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “folkie”
- Misspelling as 'folky' (which is an adjective meaning 'reminiscent of folk art').
- Using it to refer to any rural person instead of specifically a folk music enthusiast.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an informal, colloquial term used primarily within the folk music community.
No, it refers only to a person. The adjective for the music style is 'folky' or 'folk'.
A 'folk musician' specifically performs. A 'folkie' may be a musician, a dedicated fan, or an enthusiast who doesn't necessarily perform.
It is not inherently derogatory. It is usually neutral or affectionate when used within the community, but could be used slightly dismissively by outsiders unfamiliar with the scene.
A person who enjoys, performs, or is an enthusiast of folk music.
Folkie: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfəʊki/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfoʊki/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “True folkie (one deeply committed to the genre)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of FOLK music + the '-ie' ending like in 'groupie' (a fan) = FOLKIE, a fan of folk music.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNITY AS TRIBE (Folkies are seen as members of a distinct, tradition-oriented group).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely hear the word 'folkie'?