emo
UK[ˈiːməʊ]US[ˈiːmoʊ]
n
A style of rock music characterized by expressive, often confessional lyrics and melodic musicianship.
n
A person, especially a young person, who identifies with or adopts the aesthetics and attitudes associated with emo music and culture, typically involving emotional sensitivity, introspection, and a distinctive style of dress.
Etymology
The term 'emo' is a late 20th-century abbreviation of the phrase 'emotional hardcore' or 'emocore,' which described a subgenre of punk rock music. It originated in the mid-1980s Washington D.C. hardcore scene, where bands sought a more introspective and personally expressive lyrical focus compared to the genre's typical political themes. The clipped form 'emo' first described the music itself before its meaning expanded in the 2000s to denote the associated youth subculture and personal identity. Thus, the word's evolution perfectly mirrors the cultural trajectory it describes, condensing a complex musical descriptor into a simple, potent label for both an art form and a social tribe.
Analysis
This word is a modern clipping and cannot be meaningfully segmented into productive morphemes based on its current spelling.
Examples
The band's early work is considered a cornerstone of the emo genre.
He dressed in skinny jeans and had a black haircut, looking every bit the classic emo.
The lyrics deal with heartbreak and alienation, tapping into classic emo themes.