soap opera

American  

[op-er-uh, op-ruh] / ˈɒp ər ə, ˈɒp rə /

noun

1. a radio or television series depicting the interconnected lives of many characters often in a sentimental, melodramatic way.

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soap opera British  

noun

1. a serialized drama, usually dealing with domestic themes and characterized by sentimentality, broadcast on radio or television

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soap opera Idioms  

1. A radio or television serial with stock characters in domestic dramas that are noted for being sentimental and melodramatic. For example, She just watches soap operas all day long . This term originated in the mid-1930s and was so called because the sponsors of the earliest such radio shows were often soap manufacturers.

2. Real-life situation resembling one that might occur in a soap opera, as in She just goes on and on about her various medical and family problems, one long soap opera . [1940s]

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Etymology

Origin of soap opera

An Americanism dating back to 1935–40; so called because soap manufacturers were among the original sponsors of such programs

Example Sentences

The colorful Moira Rose was a city socialite and former soap opera star before her family’s fortune turned and they wound up living in “the sticks,” surrounded by simple folk.

From Los Angeles Times

But as the satirically pompous, high-strung Moira Rose, the uncomfortably broke former soap opera queen and matriarch of the hit Canadian sitcom “Schitt’s Creek,” O’Hara achieved universal acclaim and endless memeability.

From Salon

O’Hara earned an Emmy and a Golden Globe win for her portrayal of an out-of-touch, overly dramatic former soap opera star known for wearing zany wigs.

From The Wall Street Journal

They argue that the electorate is sick of political soap opera and they want to get on with governing – against a tricky international and domestic backdrop.

From BBC

Those two guys became an advertising powerhouse with ads popping up on late night shows, soap operas, billboards, and radio waves.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• melodrama
• serial
• soap