emo

[ee-moh]

noun

1. emocore.

2. a type of guitar-based rock music developed from emocore but having a softer, pop or mainstream sound.

3. a fan of emo, especially a person who is overly sensitive, emotional, and full of angst, or who adopts a certain style characterized by dyed black hair, tight t-shirts and skinny jeans, etc.

4. a person who is overly sensitive or emotional.

5. emotional display; emotion.

   The storyline had too much emo and not enough substance.

adjective

1. noting or relating to the type of music called emo or emocore.

   emo albums of the late 1990s.

2. of or relating to a fan of emo, or to the lifestyle, dress, etc., typical of such a person.

   emo teens;

   emo fashion.

3. overly sensitive or emotional.

emo

/ ˈiːməʊ /

noun

1. 1. a type of music combining traditional hard rock with personal and emotional lyrics

   2. ( as modifier )

      emo bands

Word History and Origins

Origin of emo¹

First recorded in 1985-90; shortening of emocore

Word History and Origins

Origin of emo¹

C20: short for emotional rock

Example Sentences

In a Reddit Q&A, PinkPantheress said Fancy That represents a "more fun" side to her personality than the introspective, "emo asf" lyrics of her debut album Heaven Knows.

From BBC

Good Charlotte’s return is propitiously timed given the broader emo and pop-punk revival that’s ushered other turn-of-the-millennium acts like Blink-182 and My Chemical Romance into stadiums over the past few years.

From Los Angeles Times

On the road touring stadiums this summer, the enduring emo band is playing its 2006 album ‘The Black Parade’ from beginning to end.

From Los Angeles Times

The music industry veteran worked as a band manager, promoter and other roles in American metalcore, pop-punk and emo rock music.

From Los Angeles Times

“The words that I was singing in 1980 are just as relevant now, if not more so. ... Sure, some bands that are considered punk rock just write poppy love songs — which is fine if that’s what you’re into — but that’s probably why I don’t really like some of that pop-punk and emo stuff.”

From Los Angeles Times