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 emomug. by Emo Hunter September 18, 2008
Get the emomug. A teenager, usually a caucasian male, who's parents never beat him enough when he was young, causing him to develope a warped sense of reality where he has it rough and it's okay to listen to Insane Clown Posse. Subject is also characterized as wearing constrictive clothing, listening to more lame music, bearing the "devil lock"(greasy bangs sweapt sideways to cover half the face and make the subject appear mysterious) and sporting an ugly girlfriend to compensate his lack of sex life.
That kid who works the soft-serve at Dairy Queen and lost his ear gage in your heath blizzard. He's emo.
by The Lion Speaks November 5, 2009
Get the emomug. an emo IS NOT as some people seem to think a cross between a punk/skater/goth. they are their own person! some people seem to think they are emos because of the clothes they where but that is not true. and emo is someone who wheres that certain type of clothing, listens to a certain type of music which is of a soft rock genre and are often depressed , make their lives out to be really bad and horrible and often self-harm. although i must make this clear! it is not only emos who self harm anyone can do it and be suicidal! ANYONE! just because u r depressed it dusnt make u an emo!
i self-harmed for a while but im not an emo because i dont wear loads of eyeliner and i have bright blonde hair and i hav a lot of quite girly clothes :D
by danotsosxcphilippa September 20, 2008
Get the emomug. 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
Get the emomug. Known to have spikey hair, thick eyeliner, wears vans or conerse shoes, and skinny jeans. always depressed and cuts themseles.
"ew you're emo"
by riji123 May 3, 2009
Get the emomug.