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

The New Jersey’s band first of five sold-out shows at the Forum marked a long-awaited return in the midst of an emo revival of sorts.

From Los Angeles Times

Announced opening acts for the tour include L.A.-based pop rock band Wallows, emo staples Death Cab for Cutie and Evanescence as well as modern troupes 100 gecs and IDLES.

From Los Angeles Times

As an emo girl at heart with a deep-rooted appreciation for salsa and cumbia, her fusion of Mexican R&B quickly progressed into a hodgepodge of successfully synced influences.

From Los Angeles Times

The singer called Lee, "my OG dark rock queen," and chose to mimic Evanescence's album cover for the rock band's first album, "Fallen," which features a young, emo Lee with her eyebrow piercing, jet-black hair and crystal blue eyes.

From Salon

She wrote her debut album in the midst of chaos, pouring all of those experiences into 15 gritty, eviscerating songs that swerve between rock, emo, pop, screamo and nu metal.

From BBC