[1935–40; folk + -y2]This word is first recorded in the period 1935–40. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: Arts and Crafts Movement, Rhodesian ridgeback, aeroembolism, complementation, roomette-y is a noun-forming suffix with a variety of functions in contemporary English, addedto monosyllabic bases to create words that are almost always informal. Its earliestuse, probably still productive, was to form endearing or familiar names or commonnouns from personal names, other nouns, and adjectives (Billy; Susie; birdie; doggie; granny; sweetie; tummy). The hypocoristic feature is absent in recent coinages, however, which are simplyinformal and sometimes pejorative (boonies; cabby; groupie; hippy; looie; Okie; preemie; preppy; rookie). Another function is to form from adjectives nouns that denote exemplary or extremeinstances of the quality named by the adjective (baddie; biggie; cheapie; toughie), sometimes focusing on a restricted, usually unfavorable sense of the adjective(sharpie; sickie; whitey). A few words in which the informal character of -y and -ie has been lost are now standard in formal written English (goalie; movie)
Examples of 'folky' in a sentence
folky
But whisked along in their folky exhilaration, it doesn't matter much.
The Sun (2009)
Soulful folk music or folky soul music?
The Sun (2007)
Folky harmonising that combines romantic songs with onstage squabbles.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
At its heart, her music is folky rock emboldened by anthemic choruses.
The Sun (2012)
It inspired her approach to the song - folky, understated with an undercurrent of soul.
The Sun (2006)
It has been six years since the folky singer-songwriter's last album of original material.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
They didn't do folky harmonies or sloganeering choruses.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The album is simple and folky, as his best-loved ones are.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Or try wearing a polo neck under a dress for an on-trend folky feel.
The Sun (2008)
Each track starts disguised as the conventional acoustic, guitar-led folky stuff.