Pronunciations
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/ˈiː.moʊ/
Pronunciation notes
- US
Noun
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).
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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 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.
Usage- broadly
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- Synonyms
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 commercially successful 2000s alternative rock and pop-punk movement characterized by theatricality, melancholic, or romantically frustrated themes, and highly polished production.
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- Synonyms
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. Electronic-infused subgenres incorporating aggressive, satirical, or hedonistic themes layered over post-hardcore or pop-punk foundations (e.g., crunkcore, neon pop-punk).
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An individual presenting as such, intentionally or otherwise. A person associated with that subculture and musical style. A person associated with a fashion or stereotype of that style of rock.
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An individual presenting as such, intentionally or otherwise. A person associated with that subculture and musical style. A participant in the heavily aestheticized 2000s and 2010s subculture.
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- Uncountable
An individual presenting as such, intentionally or otherwise. (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.
Usage- Countable
An individual presenting as such, intentionally or otherwise. Sometimes used pejoratively to imply inauthenticity (poser) or used ironically to denote exaggerated teenage rebellion.
Usage- broadly
- Countable
- Derogatory
Adjective
Associated with youth subcultures which are associated with the above-mentioned musical genre(s) and with emotional sensitivity.
- Examples
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The one thing everyone agrees on is that they've never encountered a band that claimed to be emo.
Trevor looks kind of emo, rail thin, dark hair, guyliner, wears black all the time.
Emotional, sensitive, or contemplative; regardless of musical preference or subcultural affiliation.
Usage- broadly
- Derogatory
- Informal
- often
Depressed.
Usage- broadly
- Informal
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Criticism drapes a black velvet cape across the puddle that interrupts the path to change, to be emo about it.
Exhibiting a fashion or visual aesthetic associated with the subculture; a presentation deliberately or unintentionally incorporating dark clothing, asymmetrical haircuts covering one eye, studded accessories, and often borrowing elements from gothic fashion, Burtonesque macabre, or brightly colored scene or geek aesthetics.
- Examples
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More examples (1)
Hot Topic is historically recognized as the go-to mall emo store, particularly during the 2000s, serving as a primary hub for alternative, scene, and punk fashion, music merch, and accessories like studded belts.