The term “folk” has taken the internet by storm, becoming a popular expression in memes and TikTok videos, often accompanied by a stream of laughing emojis. This ironic trend draws inspiration from Black slang and conveys that something is widely entertaining, as though a whole crowd of people is laughing together.
Surprisingly, the term has little to do with folk music or traditional customs. Rather, it connects to the rapid evolution of online humor, prominently featuring the comedic talent of Druski, who has emerged as a face of this trend.
When users incorporate “folk” into their posts, especially alongside the crying emoji, they are essentially asserting that the content is uproariously funny. The prevalence of emojis following the term often symbolizes a sea of laughter, representing a collective amusement among viewers.
In African American Vernacular English (AAVE), the word “folks” is frequently abbreviated to “folk,” which has been embraced within the meme context. The use of the term is not to denote an adjective related to traditional peoples but is a playful adaptation in the digital space.
The “folk” meme has evolved alongside other trends, notably the composite meme featuring a singing AI baby and a popular meme referring to Druski. The latter places Druski’s head onto NFL players or NBA athletes, gaining traction on social media platforms.
Interest in the term peaked on Google on November 30, with its usage remaining steady leading up to Christmas. While the expression has been part of Black cultural dialogue for years, its adaptation into meme culture initiated in late October 2025, marking a significant moment for online humor.
One of the first viral instances of the meme appeared on October 22 when an Instagram user posted a video of a man crashing a dirt bike into a tree, captioned “Folk” with a barrage of crying emojis. As the meme gained traction, commentators began swapping “folk” for other similar terms, further cementing its place in internet culture.
The meme took off in December, particularly as influencers mingled it with existing trends preferred by netizens. TikTok’s hashtag #folk now boasts over a million videos, many of which utilize the term in a comedic context relating back to the popular memes, such as those featuring Druski and the AI baby.
Crossovers within the meme landscape have also contributed to its momentum. For example, the “AI Baby Holding Laugh” meme, which became popular around mid-November, incorporated “folk” as captions blossomed around humorous content. Furthermore, the Druski Ravens meme, first publicly shared on social media on December 15, further spread the usage of “folk.”
As the internet continues to evolve, so too does the creativity surrounding this term. Memes using “folk” have taken many forms, including edits of beloved classic memes, demonstrating the chaotic yet fascinating nature of online humor. This trend encapsulates the vibrant and adaptive spirit of social media engagement, promising even more creative expressions in the days ahead.