folkish

English

Etymology

folk +‎ -ish. (Compare Old English folcisc, and German völkisch.)

Adjective

folkish (comparative more folkish, superlative most folkish)

1. Popular; referring to the culture of ordinary people.
2. (music) In the style of folk music.
3. (religion, Germanic paganism) Practicing a form of Heathenry that is traditional.
4. (religion, Germanic paganism, especially in white supremacy and Nazism) Practicing far-right and racist forms of Heathenry that are hostile towards minorities, Christians, and Jewish people; and also supporting Nazi influences.

Usage notes

This term has a negative connotation due to its association with and usage by racist neopagan groups. In the United States, some pagans who oppose them use the term "universalist" for themselves and their views.

Synonyms

• folky
• traditional
• neo-völkisch (related to far-right or racist neopagan groups)

Antonyms

• futuristic, modern
• universalist (chiefly US; related to their opponents, neopagan groups that support marginalized people)

Derived terms

• folkishly
• folkishness

Related terms

• folksiness
• folksy