emo

1. A subgenre of late 1980s hardcore punk originating in Washington D.C., characterized by intense, highly emotional performances, dynamic shifts, and a departure from traditional punk song structures (also emocore). (countable, uncountable)
2. A 1990s indie rock movement characterized by complex guitar work (often borrowing from math rock), dynamic shifts, arpeggiated melodies, and deeply introspective lyrics; commonly referred to as Midwest emo. (countable, uncountable)
3. A commercially successful 2000s alternative rock and pop-punk movement characterized by theatricality, melancholic, or romantically frustrated themes, and highly polished production. (countable, uncountable)
4. Electronic-infused subgenres incorporating aggressive, satirical, or hedonistic themes layered over post-hardcore or pop-punk foundations (e.g., crunkcore, neon pop-punk). (countable, uncountable)
5. A person associated with a fashion or stereotype of that style of rock. (countable)
6. A participant in the heavily aestheticized 2000s and 2010s subculture. (countable, uncountable)
7. (by extension) A typically young individual whose outward persona is characterized by introspection, sensitivity, melancholy, or angst; considered to be overly emotional or who is associated with the emo subculture. (countable)
8. Sometimes used pejoratively to imply inauthenticity (poser) or used ironically to denote exaggerated teenage rebellion. (countable)

Plural emos