emo
e·mo/ˈiː.moʊ/noun, adjective
emo is spelled E-M-O: 3 letters and 2 syllables (e·mo). It appears 1.7 times per million words in written English, the 21,209th most frequent word form (wordfreq, 2021 data). As a noun, emo means “A subgenre of late 1980s hardcore punk originating in Washington D.C., characterized by intense, highly emotional performances, dynamic shifts, and a…” (English Wiktionary, September 2026). The plural of emo is emos.
How many letters and syllables are in emo?
| Letters | 3: E-M-O |
|---|---|
| Syllables | 2: e·mo |
| In writing | 1.7 times per million words; the 21,209th most frequent word form |
| Wrong spellings searched | none measured in search |
| Rhymes with | |
| Same letters |
Sources: letters and syllables from the English Wiktionary's hyphenation or pronunciation; written frequency: wordfreq 3.1 (a 2021 snapshot of Wikipedia, subtitles, news, books, web text and social media); rhymes and same-letter words are computed by PlainSpell from its own word list.
How common is emo?
Emo appears 1.7 times per million words in written English, the 21,209th most frequent word form in the list.
Source: written frequency: wordfreq 3.1 (a 2021 snapshot of Wikipedia, subtitles, news, books, web text and social media).
How do you pronounce emo?
- US /ˈiː.moʊ/
Emo has 2 syllables, split e·mo in writing.
Source: English Wiktionary, dump of September 2, 2026 (CC BY-SA 4.0), through kaikki.org (Wiktextract). Recordings: LL-Q1860_(eng)-Vealhurl-emo.wav, Wikimedia Commons (author and licence on each file's page).
What rhymes with emo?
One word on PlainSpell end in the same sounds as emo from its last stressed vowel (/imoʊ/):
Spelled with the same letters in another order: moe, ome.
Computed by PlainSpell from the pronunciations in the English Wiktionary (dump of September 2, 2026): a rhyme shares every sound from the last stressed vowel to the end; ordered by written frequency (wordfreq 3.1).
Forms of emo
- emos plural
- more emo comparative
- most emo superlative
Source: English Wiktionary, dump of September 2, 2026 (CC BY-SA 4.0), through kaikki.org (Wiktextract).
What does emo mean?
The meanings the English Wiktionary records, quoted as written there (source below).
noun
- 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).
- 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.
- 3
A commercially successful 2000s alternative rock and pop-punk movement characterized by theatricality, melancholic, or romantically frustrated themes, and highly polished production.
- 4
Electronic-infused subgenres incorporating aggressive, satirical, or hedonistic themes layered over post-hardcore or pop-punk foundations (e.g., crunkcore, neon pop-punk).
- 5
A person associated with a fashion or stereotype of that style of rock.
- 6
A participant in the heavily aestheticized 2000s and 2010s subculture.
- 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.
- 8
derogatorySometimes used pejoratively to imply inauthenticity (poser) or used ironically to denote exaggerated teenage rebellion.
adjective
- 1
Associated with youth subcultures which are associated with the above-mentioned musical genre(s) and with emotional sensitivity.
- 2
derogatoryinformalEmotional, sensitive, or contemplative; regardless of musical preference or subcultural affiliation.
- 3
informalDepressed.
- 4
Exhibiting a fashion or visual aesthetic associated with the subculture; a presentation deliberately or unintentionally incorporating dark clothing, asymmetrical haircuts covering one eye, studded accessories, and often borrowing elements from gothic fashion, Burtonesque macabre, or brightly colored scene or geek aesthetics.
Hot Topic is historically recognized as the go-to mall emo store, particularly during the 2000s, serving as a primary hub for alternative, scene, and punk fashion, music merch, and accessories like studded belts.
Source: English Wiktionary, dump of September 2, 2026 (CC BY-SA 4.0), through kaikki.org (Wiktextract).
Where does emo come from?
Clipping of emotional. Compound emocore first attested in 1986. Word emo first attested in 1988. Generally used as an umbrella term.
Source: English Wiktionary, dump of September 2, 2026 (CC BY-SA 4.0), through kaikki.org (Wiktextract).