Why do people sometimes refer to their parents as their folks?

Question

My best friend always refers to his parents as his folks..I don't think it's a cultural thing because he and I both grew up in Las Vegas. I always say parents.

Answer 1

If I had to guess I'd suggest that maybe his parents aren't from Vegas and come from the south or the midwest where that colloquialism is common. He probably learned it from his "folks".

Answer 2

Even though you grew up in the same city it still can be cultural. I grew up near Chicago and have many southern colloquiums in my language. My mom is from Kentucky and her whole family still lives there. Her and our trips visiting family are apart of my background. I grew up hearing certain terms and words from the south that I still use now.

Answer 3

It's just another word for parents. No big deal.

Answer 4

It's just a friendly, informal, colloquial way to say 'parents'.
Oh by the way, it doesn't always mean ONLY your parents. Depending on the context, it can also be used to mean your family in general.

Answer 5

Here in TX, it's what people refer to when they mean their parents. It's not disrespectful.

Answer 6

cause they are their folks

Answer 7

I call my mother the 'Coffin Dodger'.

Answer 8

I think it is a lovely term, it implies a certain closeness.

Answer 9

It's just a very commonly used expression.

Answer 10

JLNmk. WINJ dc. nocdn Jonás oc c d con shuoneufhv.