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'''''Emo''''' is a slang term used to describe a range of fashion styles and attitudes somewhat affiliated with ] and its related scene. As an ], ''emo'' can describe a style of ] or ], or a general state of unhappiness or melancholy (as in to "feel emo"). ''Emo'' is also used as a ], often pejoratively, to identify a member of the "emo scene" or someone viewed as fitting the "emo" stereotype easily being characterized by a straightened side-part hairstyle covering one eye.


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==History==
===Origins===
{{main|Emo (music)}}
For more than a decade, the term ''emo'' was used almost exclusively to describe the genre of music that spawned from the ] ] and the ] inspired by it; however, during the late ], as emo music began to emerge into popular consciousness, the term began to be used as a broader reference than its prior music denotation.

The origin of the word ''emo'' itself is unclear. In a 1985 interview by ] in ''],'' members of the band noted that some of their fans in DC were starting to call them "emo," arguably because of the state of emotion that the band displayed during their shows. In later years, the word ''emo'' was viewed as a contraction of "emotional hardcore" or "emocore," which was the popular designation of the music genre.

A younger contingent argues that ''emo'' is a contraction for "emotive hardcore;" however, no primary source demonstrates the use of that term prior to the mid-1990s. Meanwhile, numerous sources cite the use of "emotional hardcore," dating back to the mid-to-late 1980s.

In recent years, as its use has come to define more than just the music, the word ''emo'' has often been viewed as short for "emotional."

===2000s===
Bands like ] began to popularize a more dramatic and personal style of "emo," which used lyrics that had a far greater appeal amongst teenagers experiencing life and love for the first time. As the lyrical content shifted and the genre began to enter the mainstream, the term "emo" started to be used more often to describe what was perceived by those outside the scene as the overwrought melodrama of the music. The perception was that melodrama was feigned; an effort to display depression or dysfunction where it did not actually exist. Popular comments such as "don't be so emo" and "cheer up, emo kid" expressed the belief among detractors that fans of emo music took themselves too seriously.

As major labels began categorising more diverse bands under the "emo" label, varying styles of music and dress began to be conflated as well. The style of bands like ] and ], for example, began to be associated with emo despite the fact the bands specifically denounce the term emo to describe their music.

==Fashion and culture==
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There are two popular forms of dress that are considered emo. The first is essentially derived from the 1990s "indie emo" scene and has connections to ], and ]. It includes more ] and ] clothing, typically for a well-worn look. Some of the clothing leans toward ] colors. T-shirts are typically of smaller sizes and with various prints-- often with images from the punk culture. The favored backpacks, messenger bags, often have pins and patches of various bands. In general, a lot of the clothing features various bands and artists.

The other faggoty style of dress focuses on darker colors, and is more influenced by ]. Common to the emo stereotype is straight, dark colored hair (either black, red, or multi-colored ) which covers one eye (or the entire face). Males are pictured wearing pants tailored for females with a punk-rock style studded belt. ], ], and ] piercings are common throughout the style. Dark make-up (most notably black eyeliner, although red and pink eyeshadow is becoming increasingly popular) is present on both girls and boys. A common accessory for both fags and dykes is glasses with a dark coloured (usually black), thick rim-- a style even sometimes worn by people not requiring corrective eye-wear. Wristbands, usually black, but in other various colors are also popular as well as other items adorning the wrist, such as studded bracelets. Another increasingly gay accessory is sweatbands or arm socks, often sporting band logos. Some other fashions include messenger bags (with pins).

] shoes are common amongst both styles of dress, as are ] and other ] brands. Also, slip on ] shoes are very popular.

While "emo" is often used to describe the dress and attitudes of fans of emo music, "emo" as a musical genre and "emo" as a slang term are largely separate; "emo" as a musical genre long pre-dated the use of "emo" as a slang term. At the same time, most current bands are labeled "emo" unwillingly, largely because they share some of the fashion trends and attitudes associated with "emo" as a slang term.

There is also a common stereotype that associates "emo" with ], most notably cutting wrists, partly due to song lyrics associated with "emo" bands, which often speak of acts of self-destruction; however, apart from the anecdotal, there may not be a significant correlation between emo subculture and self-harm.

==Alternative uses==
The term "emo" has also been used in recent years on the ] as a form of insult, especially toward those who appear emotionally unstable, or those who talk about issues in their personal lives to people in public ] or ]. {{fact}}

Similar to popular ], it tends to be used as a general insult even when it is not directly applicable. Phrases such as "cheer up, emo kid" are used frequently as a quick brush-off in this context. Some people use the term "emo" to describe a feeling of depression, alluding to the association of ] with the "emo" subculture. As a result, individual definitions of emo vary greatly, and consensus on a single definition is difficult if not impossible. {{fact}}



==External links==
{{wiktionary|emo}}
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