womenfolk
The women of a family or crowd, talked about as a bunch.
Also called womenfolks.
Updated September 24, 2026
womenfolk pronunciation
/WIM-in-fohk/
Meaning
Womenfolk means the female side of the household or the gathering. Mama, aunts, sisters, girl cousins. Pair it with menfolk and you have the whole porch sorted into two groups. Sounds old-fashioned to city ears. Still natural in rural Southern talk.
How folks use it
- “The womenfolk are in the kitchen putting up beans.”
- “Tell the womenfolk supper's ready whenever they are.”
Origin and etymology
Compound of women and folk, in English since the 1700s. Stayed common in Southern and South Midland speech alongside menfolks. Marks family and community talk more than fancy writing.
Frequently asked questions
Is womenfolk rude?
Usually not. In country talk it is just a group word, same idea as menfolk. Tone of voice decides whether it lands warm or cold.