folklore
UK: ˈfəʊk.lɔː | US: ˈfoʊk.lɔːr
n. the traditional beliefs, customs, and stories of a community, passed through generations by word of mouth
n. a body of widely accepted but often unverified notions or beliefs
The word "folklore" combines "folk" (from Old English folc, meaning "people" or "tribe") and "lore" (from Old English lār, meaning "learning" or "tradition"). Coined in 1846 by English antiquarian William Thoms, it originally referred to the oral traditions of rural communities. Over time, it expanded to encompass all forms of cultural expression preserved informally. The morphemes reflect a focus on collective wisdom ("folk") and transmitted knowledge ("lore").
The festival celebrates local folklore through music and dance.
Scholars study folklore to understand cultural identity.
Many fairy tales originate from European folklore.
Her research debunked popular folklore about the ancient ruins.
The book compiles Appalachian folklore from the 19th century.