menfolk: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowinformal, somewhat dated
Quick answer
What does “menfolk” mean?
The male members of a family, community, or group.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The male members of a family, community, or group.
Men collectively, especially when considered in relation to womenfolk; sometimes refers specifically to adult men of a household or community.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is similar in both varieties, though the term is somewhat more common in British rural or traditional contexts.
Connotations
Both varieties may perceive it as slightly dated. In American English, it might also carry stronger associations with historical or regional (e.g., Appalachian) speech.
Frequency
Rare in modern formal contexts in both varieties; slightly higher frequency in British English due to retention in some traditional dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “menfolk” in a Sentence
[Possessive determiner] + menfolk + [prepositional phrase]The + menfolk + of + [place/group]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rare; might appear in historical, anthropological, or sociological texts discussing traditional gender roles.
Everyday
Used informally, often humorously or nostalgically, to refer to male family members.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “menfolk”
- Using it as a singular noun (e.g., 'a menfolk'). It is only plural/collective.
- Using it in overly formal or modern contexts where 'men' would be more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a plural/collective noun. You cannot say 'a menfolk'. It refers to a group of men.
Not inherently offensive, but it is dated and can be seen as reinforcing traditional gender binaries. It is best used in specific, often informal or historical, contexts rather than general modern speech.
The direct equivalent is 'womenfolk'.
Generally no. It is informal and somewhat archaic. In formal writing, use 'men', 'male members', or more specific terms like 'male relatives'.
The male members of a family, community, or group.
Menfolk: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛnfəʊk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛnfoʊk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The menfolk are out working”
- “Leave it to the menfolk”
- “While the menfolk are away”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'folk music' – it's traditional. 'Menfolk' is a traditional, collective word for the men in a family or community.
Conceptual Metaphor
GENDER AS A COLLECTIVE TRIBE (men are conceptualised as a distinct group within the larger 'folk' or community).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most appropriate context for using 'menfolk'?