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A terribly misconstrued and misused word. In contemporary culture it is utilized as a broad term to describe a multitude of children and teenagers who straighten their hair, have their hair in their face, perhaps dye it black, and wear tight clothing. Unfortunately this is completely inaccurate. Actual "emo" music existed in the late 80's and was a subgenre of hardcore punk rock, after all, "emo" is a shortening of "Emotional hardcore punk rock". The people in early emo bands dressed like regular people, everyday guys/girls who just played music that they enjoyed. Sadly, since the formulation and ongoing existence of Hot Topic, the term emo has been incorrectly characterized for a little more than a decade. You have to wonder how the original bands feel about the slandering and mass misunderstanding and misuse of their originality with those of the unoriginal.
Just search Cap'n Jazz to listen to actual emo music.
emo by TheUbermensch February 10, 2013
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a musical genre/ scene that has almost 1000 definitions in urban dictionary most of which are making fun of it
im gonna add another definition for emo cuz 1000 isnt enough
emo by burgerking2 November 15, 2006
1. A subgenre of punk music. Originally it was called "emo" due to its lyrics, which were more emotional and confessive than typical punk songs. Some original emo bands are Rites of Spring, Taking Back Sunday, and Sunny Day Real Estate. Over the years, though, emo has become more diverse, and a very vague term. No one can agree exactly what it is. There are many kinds of emo music: emocore (emo post hard core), emo punk, emo alternative, and more. Emo bands can be anything from Paramore to Black Veil Brides.

2. A subculture of people who like emo music. Often emos have a certain fashion sense ("emo" hair cut, lots of black clothing, eyeliner, etc.), but not necessarily. Emo fashion is really quite varied and not limited to Hot Topic. Emos pride themselves on being in touch with their emotions and creative. Many write music or poetry.

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Lastly-- I don't know how many times in my lifetime I will have to explain this, but cutting and depression are symptoms of being human, not being emo.

If you're emo-- just because someone isn't exactly like you doesn't make them a "poser." Emo music and fashion is extremely varied, and frankly pretty hard to define. Instead of arguing about what our culture is, let's use it as a tool to connect with others over a joint love of good music.

If you're not emo-- let me remind you that enforcing stereotypes, and then accusing the stereotyped group of being "all the same" is hypocritical.
1. I'm so obsessed with emo music right now! Especially All Time Low, Rites of Spring, and My Chemical Romance. Those bands are awesome.

2. Jeremy is an emo. He wears eyeliner and listens to Panic! At the Disco. Melissa is an emo. She's a cheerleader who loves Mineral.
emo by niq April 26, 2016
“damn i wish chris would emo”
emo by lolurband May 11, 2019
The other definitions of emo are all made by wankers.

I'm tired of seeing entries either saying all emos are self harming and self obsessed bastards or that they're perfectly normal and all a bunch of fucking lovable people.

Fact is, they're just like every other sorry-ass clique; some of them are cool and some of them suck more dick than a gay pedophile in a preschool bathroom.
Emo: We're normal!
Emo Hater: Emos all suck!
Person with common sense: Some emos are pieces of shit, and some emos are perfectly alright!
Emo by Styxhexenhammer August 30, 2009
I wish people would stop defining emo.
emo by The Dirty Pirate Whore January 21, 2009
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