folklore
UK[ˈfəʊk.lɔː]US[ˈfoʊk.lɔːr]
n
The traditional stories, customs, and beliefs of a community, passed through the generations by word of mouth.
n
A body of popular beliefs or traditions relating to a particular place, activity, or group of people.
Morpheme Breakdown
folk
lore
folk
common people, nation, tribe.
lore
instruction, teaching, knowledge.
Etymology
The word 'folklore' is a modern compound, coined in 1846 by the English antiquarian William J. Thoms to replace the earlier term "popular antiquities." It directly combines the Old English-derived word 'folk,' referring to the common people of a nation or community, with 'lore,' meaning a body of traditional knowledge or teaching passed down. The term elegantly captures the concept of the unwritten cultural heritage—encompassing tales, proverbs, music, and customs—that is preserved and transmitted collectively by a people, rather than through formal institutions. Its creation formalized the study of this oral tradition, shifting it from a casual interest to an academic discipline focused on the wisdom and creative expressions of the populace.
Analysis
Structure: folk + lore
folk: From Old English 'folc', meaning "common people, nation, tribe." It is of Germanic origin.
lore: From Old English 'lār', meaning "instruction, teaching, knowledge." It is of Germanic origin.
Examples
The collection of local folklore includes fascinating tales of a hidden forest spirit.
According to baseball folklore, hitting a home run in your first major league at-bat is a sign of great things to come.
She is a professor who specializes in the folklore and mythology of Scandinavia.