emo
A subgenre of late 1980s hardcore punk originating in Washington D.C., characterized…Any form of guitar-driven alternative rock that is particularly or notably emotional; a broadly encompassing genre of rock music characterized by expressive, often confessional lyrics.: A subgenre of late 1980s hardcore punk originating in Washington D.C., characterized by intense, highly emotional performances, dynamic shifts, and a departure from traditional punk song structures (also emocore).
» I was emo-adjacent in high school.
Meaning
8 sensesAny form of guitar-driven alternative rock that is particularly or notably emotional; a broadly encompassing genre of rock music characterized by expressive, often confessional lyrics.
(countable, uncountable)A subgenre of late 1980s hardcore punk originating in Washington D.C., characterized by intense, highly emotional performances, dynamic shifts, and a departure from traditional punk song structures (also emocore).
(broadly, countable, uncountable)A 1990s indie rock movement characterized by complex guitar work (often borrowing from math rock), dynamic shifts, arpeggiated melodies, and deeply introspective lyrics; commonly referred to as Midwest emo.
(countable, uncountable)A commercially successful 2000s alternative rock and pop-punk movement characterized by theatricality, melancholic, or romantically frustrated themes, and highly polished production.
(countable, uncountable)Electronic-infused subgenres incorporating aggressive, satirical, or hedonistic themes layered over post-hardcore or pop-punk foundations (e.g., crunkcore, neon pop-punk).
A person associated with that subculture and musical style.
(countable)A person associated with a fashion or stereotype of that style of rock.
(countable, uncountable)A participant in the heavily aestheticized 2000s and 2010s subculture.
An individual presenting as such, intentionally or otherwise.
(countable)(by extension) A typically young individual whose outward persona is characterized by introspection, sensitivity, melancholy, or angst; considered to be overly emotional or who is associated with the emo subculture.
(broadly, countable, derogatory)Sometimes used pejoratively to imply inauthenticity (poser) or used ironically to denote exaggerated teenage rebellion.
Examples
4 sentencesI was emo-adjacent in high school.
I was in denial of being an emo kid.
I wish my grass were emo, then it would cut itself.
ruВот была бы моя трава эмо, сама себя бы обрезала.
Emo people wear black lipstick.
ruЭмо красят губы чёрным.
Origin
Clipping of emotional. Compound emocore first attested in 1986. Word emo first attested inClipping of emotional. Compound emocore first attested in 1986. Word emo first attested in 1988. Generally used as an umbrella term.
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Forms
plural: emosSynonyms
2 synonymsLessons for this word
1 lessons- A1Countable and uncountable nouns — Because it can be uncountable