1) For whatever reason, a highly controversial word in youth culture and popular culture circles. Probably the definition that can be the most agreed upon is that side of post-hardcore which is melodic and accessible enough for mainstream pop audiences to enjoy. It should be taken into account that most bands who play this type of music are divorced from the art punk tendencies of many of the pioneering post-hardcore bands from the 1980s and 1990s.
2) "Emo" can also refer to the youth subculture that is centered around the particular niche of post-hardcore described in definition 1, which, much like the punk, goth, and hippie subcultures that preceded it, is identifiable by a particular fashion sense (in this case often straight, dyed black hair combed to one side to the point of being asymmetrical in appearance, also horn-rimmed or rectangular eyewear). Unlike the punk and hippie subcultures, at least, there are really no identifiable political or ideological concerns of the Emo subculture, and it is primarily defined by music purchasing habits and outward appearance. However, many members of the Emo subculture, often referred to as emo kids, are often seen as suicidal or suffering from other psychological problems, regardless of whether or not they actually are.
3) Archaically at least to some degree, "emo" is sometimes used to describe nearly all post-hardcore, particularly that which derives stylistically from the sounds pioneered by a number of bands from Washington DC and Maryland in the mid-to-late 1980s. It should be noted, though, that "emo" (then "emocore") was a derogatory term applied to the earliest of these bands by their detractors.
2) "Emo" can also refer to the youth subculture that is centered around the particular niche of post-hardcore described in definition 1, which, much like the punk, goth, and hippie subcultures that preceded it, is identifiable by a particular fashion sense (in this case often straight, dyed black hair combed to one side to the point of being asymmetrical in appearance, also horn-rimmed or rectangular eyewear). Unlike the punk and hippie subcultures, at least, there are really no identifiable political or ideological concerns of the Emo subculture, and it is primarily defined by music purchasing habits and outward appearance. However, many members of the Emo subculture, often referred to as emo kids, are often seen as suicidal or suffering from other psychological problems, regardless of whether or not they actually are.
3) Archaically at least to some degree, "emo" is sometimes used to describe nearly all post-hardcore, particularly that which derives stylistically from the sounds pioneered by a number of bands from Washington DC and Maryland in the mid-to-late 1980s. It should be noted, though, that "emo" (then "emocore") was a derogatory term applied to the earliest of these bands by their detractors.
1) It is disputed by few that Jimmy Eat World and Braid are emo bands.
2) In some regions, the emo subculture is cause for moral panic.
3) Guy Picciotto, of pioneering post-hardcore groups Rites of Spring and Fugazi fame primarily, finds it upsetting that he is considered one of emo's founding fathers.
2) In some regions, the emo subculture is cause for moral panic.
3) Guy Picciotto, of pioneering post-hardcore groups Rites of Spring and Fugazi fame primarily, finds it upsetting that he is considered one of emo's founding fathers.
by Mmccormick88 May 5, 2008
Get the emo mug.A subculture which started out as a music genre with influences from the punk/alternative scene of Washington D.C. in the late 1980s. In recent years, it has expanded to become an entire subculture. Originally, followers of the emo subculture were kids who didn't fit into the mainstream and considered themselves to be non-conformists. Sadly, however, the emo label has become so popular that nowadays most emos are kids who grew up living life exactly the same as every other fucking kid, and now they have decided to go emo, simply because it is what every other kid is doing. However, some emo kids are those who turned emo before it became the mainstream, and these are the true non-conformists.
True non-conformist free-thinking emo kid: Oh, look, you're reading trainspotting! I love Irvine Welsh!
Mindless conformist 'emo' kid: What the fuck you faggot. Reading's for gays and pussies. Go watch wrestling like evryone else.
Mindless conformist 'emo' kid: What the fuck you faggot. Reading's for gays and pussies. Go watch wrestling like evryone else.
by Espak May 10, 2008
Get the emo mug.Emo is someone or something that is emotional. Despite what the majority of people think, they do not cut themselves.
That kid is emo.
by Xx Erk xX February 22, 2009
Get the Emo mug.by Les-Bean February 12, 2017
Get the Emo mug.a type of rock or hard rock with more emotional or complex lyrics. An example of bands that could be considered emo to some people are Fall out boy, My chemical romance, Panic! at the disco, or Green day. A common misconception about emos is that they cut themselves or harm themselves in a way.
by theonepersonwhohateshaters January 3, 2017
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A person who thinks their life sucks and instead of dealing with it like normal people they wear black and become pessimists and think very depressing thoughts.
It usually occurs in naive adolescents. When they graduate High School, this wears off and emo adults are very rare.
A person who thinks their life sucks and instead of dealing with it like normal people they wear black and become pessimists and think very depressing thoughts.
It usually occurs in naive adolescents. When they graduate High School, this wears off and emo adults are very rare.
Pessimist: This glass is half empty.
Optimist: No this glass is half full.
Emo: Who cares i just want to kill myself!
I hate my life and I can't handle the stress, maybe I should just cut myself. -----Emo Person
Optimist: No this glass is half full.
Emo: Who cares i just want to kill myself!
I hate my life and I can't handle the stress, maybe I should just cut myself. -----Emo Person
by TrashCanSam August 4, 2011
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