Words / C1

FOHKL-or/ˈfəʊklɔː/

Folklore is a community’s traditional stories, customs, and beliefs; in institutions it also means unofficial “what everyone knows”. Myth is a cousin (often untrue); a regulation is written and binding; an anecdote is one story. Do not let corridor custom outrank the board’s sitting rules.

Meaning

Traditional stories and beliefs of a community; also unofficial “what everyone knows”.

Examples

• “Corridor folklore about “we always start late” is not the board’s regulation.”
• “Tradition is everyday and wider. Legend is a tale. Policy is written. Custom in a corridor is not an amendment. Start times sit in the timetable. Teach the story at lunch; start on the published minute.”

Good to know

Tradition; also unofficial myth. Everyday: tradition. Contrast: a regulation. “We always…” is not an amendment.

Near in meaning

tradition

New