When people say there’s been an “𝑥 fold increase in such and such.” They mean such and such is 𝑥 times as big.
If you get something that actually folds like a sheet of paper, the amount of layers doubles each time. One fold = twice as many layers. Two folds = four times as many layers…
Etymology is your friend.
But it won’t pick you up at the airport.
Yes, but it’s a good enough friend to tell you when your idea is stupid. Just not good enough to pick you up at the airport or help you move house.