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

I was thrilled to indulge my inner emo teenager while visiting a national park for once, embarking on a trip through the world’s longest-known cave system and into the dark bowels of the earth.

From Outside Online

Staring at raindrops on a car windshield is more than just a way to get in touch with your emo side.

From Science News

Union Stage presents a “not your average emo night party” that promises 2000s pop-punk tunes alongside smash hits such as Cardi B’s “Bodak Yellow.”

From Washington Post

It was a seminal hub for emo, hardcore, ska and punk shows in truly alternative venues.

From Washington Post

The emo rapper had been thrust into the spotlight after he was profiled in Pitchfork, igniting a viral craze.

From Washington Post

The schizo CIA agent is back for more drone warfare and spycraft—this time, sans Brody and his frustratingly emo daughter.

From The Daily Beast

But despite all the chatter about Weezer's influence—about nerd rock, or emo, or whatever—I don't really hear it.

From The Daily Beast

This was, we must remember, despite the forgettable movie Spider-Man 3, more than just an emo haircut and Devo dance moves.

From The Daily Beast

There are teenagers and baby boomers, hipsters and emo kids.

From The Daily Beast

But a rivalry is brewing between the he-men and a new crop of “emo” super-dudes headed for screens next year.

From The Daily Beast

Emo non quod opus est, sed quod necesse est; quod non opus est, asse carum est.

From Project Gutenberg

He frequently repeated, "Kabuderih emo aidarah," and his visit afforded him no more pleasure.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a matter of history that famine, neither wide-spread nor local, ever gained a foothold where "Satsuma Emo" flourished.

From Project Gutenberg

Emo humbled the Bey of Tunis, cleared the seas, and died at Malta in 1792.

From Project Gutenberg

I fancy that this chief is the fellow whom you heard of, Ralph, at the Island of Emo.

From Project Gutenberg