meh. folder is 2 syllables, directory is like 4. I'm lazy. If someone gave me a clear one syllable alternative that others would know what I meant (even if while cringing), i'd probably start using that instead. I've tried just "dir", but no one ever knows wtf i'm saying.
Yep, while this meme is funny and in jest. If someone actually seriously gave me shit for saying "folder" or "directory" I would have to ask them what Stallman's toe nails actually taste like. Because that is up there with his level of being rigid about something that I just can't stand.
While conversing with Linux users, they should know what dir means... I mean, even if they don't use the terminal that often, dir is often used in GUIs as well in Linux.
I might should clarify that when using "dir" verbally no one knows what I'm saying, but maybe how I pronounce it in my head isn't how everyone else does, lol. In text it's plenty clear, imo.