folksy

[ fohk-see ]

adjective

, folk·si·er, folk·si·est.

1. friendly or neighborly; sociable.
2. very informal; familiar; unceremonious:

   The politician affected a folksy style.

3. belonging to the common people, especially in regard to a conscious use of mannerisms, speech patterns, attitudes, etc.:

   folksy humor.

folksy

/ ˈfəʊksɪ /

adjective

1. of or like ordinary people; sometimes used derogatorily to describe affected simplicity
2. informal.
   friendly; affable
3. of or relating to folk art

Derived Forms

• ˈfolksiness, noun

Other Words From

• folksi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of folksy¹

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55; folks + -y ¹,

Example Sentences

The folksy in Anderson’s work is always an on-ramp to the absurd, the matter of fact always a path to the fantastic.

From Washington Post

His father’s death is something Ted won’t quite look at, and his refusal to so much as think about what happened to him has made him the folksy charmer he is, at the expense of his own mental health.

From Vox

The coach was imbued with emotional complexity and some Kansan kindness, plus a knack for pop culture references and folksy adages.

From Washington Post

His wit, directness and folksy language were put on display as the Bush administration’s most spirited spokesman.

From Washington Post

He is very much a successor to former City Council President Sherri Lightner, who had a folksy protectionist approach to the job.

From Voice of San Diego

Oprah so enjoyed his folksy demeanor and words of wisdom that she invited him onto her show.

From The Daily Beast

Jokes aside, the folksy, blunt-talking Republican had a real affinity and passion for the issue.

From The Daily Beast

He grew up in Montana and uses folksy phrases like “happy camper” and “total baloney.”

From The Daily Beast

He relayed a set of facts that make his party's case and demolish the other party's case, and he did it in a folksy way.

From The Daily Beast

The vice presidential nominee used a folksy style and policy chops to make the case against the incumbent.

From The Daily Beast

He talked quite a little, and he seemed rather nice, I think—just frank and folksy, you know.

From Project Gutenberg

Miss Carry is a lady worth talking about, and so is Miss Jenny—none of your turned up nose, poor white folksy sort.

From Project Gutenberg

She's pretty and I will give in that she's folksy and sociable with us natives; it's surprisin', considerin' her bringin' up.

From Project Gutenberg

Seems a pretty silly job for grown-up men, but they're real pleasant and folksy.

From Project Gutenberg

She had on a blue wrapper, and her hair was pulled back smooth like little girls do when they want to look grown-folksy.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• down-to-earth
• homey
• low-key
• rustic
• unpretentious