menfolk
Definition
Noun (plural only):
- Male members of a family or community: "menfolk" refers collectively to the men or boys within a particular family, group, or community, often in contrast to womenfolk.
- Example: The menfolk of the village gathered to discuss the harvest. (All the male residents of that village.)
- Male relatives: In a domestic context, it specifically denotes the male relatives of a household, such as fathers, brothers, and sons.
- Example: She prepared the meal for the menfolk while the women tended to the children. (The male members of her family.)
Usage Examples
- (The male members of the farming community were labouring.)
- (The male segment of the group is responsible for these tasks.)
- (Her male relatives were absent due to military service.)
Advanced Usage
- "the menfolk" as a collective noun: It is always treated as a plural noun and cannot be singular.
- Correct: The menfolk are arriving.
- Incorrect: The menfolk is arriving.
- Cultural or historical contexts: The term often implies a division of roles or responsibilities between genders, especially in rural or traditional settings.
- Example: During the harvest season, the menfolk work from dawn to dusk, while the womenfolk prepare food and care for the young. (A clear gender-based labour division.)
Variants and Related Words
- Womankind (n): women collectively, as a group (parallel to "menfolk").
- Example: The contributions of womankind are often overlooked in historical records. (All women as a group.)
- Folk (n): people in general, or a specific group of people.
- Example: The folk of this region are known for their hospitality. (The local inhabitants.)
- Menfolks (nonstandard plural): Occasionally used informally, though "menfolk" is already plural.
- Usage note: Avoid this form in formal writing.
Synonyms
- Males: a neutral term for male individuals.
- Example: The males of the tribe hunted for food. (All male members.)
- Gentlemen: a polite term for men, but less specific to family or community.
- Example: The gentlemen were invited to the meeting. (The male attendees.)
- Men: the simplest synonym, but "menfolk" adds a sense of collective kinship or social grouping.
- Example: The men worked together to build the barn. (Generic male individuals.)
Related Idioms
- "The menfolk are the breadwinners": A traditional idiom suggesting that men are primarily responsible for earning income for the family.
- Example: In many cultures, it was assumed the menfolk would be the breadwinners. (The male members would provide financial support.)
- "The menfolk rule the roost": An idiom meaning that men dominate or make decisions in a household or group.
- Example: In that household, the menfolk rule the roost. (The male members have the most authority.)