emo
emo Lexical Profile
emo Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Relating to or characteristic of emo music, its associated fashion, or its youth subculture.
"The band's early albums were heavily influenced by 1990s Midwest emo guitar styles."
Overtly emotional, melancholic, moody, or full of angst (used informally).
"He got really emo after the breakup and spent the entire weekend writing sad poetry in his room."
• noun
A subgenre of rock music originating from 1980s hardcore punk, characterized by melodic instrumentation and expressive, often confessional or angst-ridden lyrics.
"During the early 2000s, emo transitioned from an underground punk subgenre into mainstream pop culture."
A fan of emo music or a member of its associated youth subculture, typically noted for wearing dark clothing, skinny jeans, and straight hair with long side-swept bangs.
"A group of emos gathered outside the venue hours before the concert doors opened."
• Rhymes for emo
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the mid-1980s Washington, D.C. hardcore punk scene as a shortening of 'emocore' (itself a blend of 'emotional hardcore'), describing bands that favored expressive, confessional lyrics over traditional punk aggression.