Tearjerker Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ข
tearjerker
[หtษชrหdสษrkษr ]
Definition
movie genre
A sentimental or melodramatic movie, play, or book that is designed to evoke strong emotions, such as sadness or empathy, in the audience.
Synonyms
emotional drama, heart-wrenching story, sob story.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tearjerker |
Best used when describing a movie, book, or play that is very sentimental and likely to make people cry.
|
| emotional drama |
Best suited for describing a serious or emotional narrative that deeply explores charactersโ feelings and relationships.
|
| heart-wrenching story |
Used to describe a story that is extremely sad and evokes a strong sense of empathy and sorrow.
|
| sob story |
This term often has a negative connotation, typically used when describing a story that is overly sentimental or manipulative in trying to elicit pity or sympathy.
|
Examples of usage
- It was a tearjerker of a movie, leaving everyone in tears by the end.
- The novel was a real tearjerker, with its heart-wrenching storyline.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Film
- Some of the most famous tearjerkers include films like 'The Fault in Our Stars' and 'Titanic', which have emotional storylines that resonate with viewers.
- Award-winning films often have tearjerker moments, showcasing loss, love, or deep connection, which can lead to critical acclaim.
Music
- Many songs that evoke strong emotions, like 'Tears in Heaven' by Eric Clapton or 'Someone Like You' by Adele, are considered tearjerkers.
- These songs often tell very personal stories that listeners can relate to, enhancing the emotional response.
Psychology
- Emotional responses to tearjerkers can trigger the release of hormones like oxytocin, which promotes feelings of empathy and connection.
- Research shows that people may seek out sad stories to process their own emotions or experiences, using them as a form of emotional catharsis.
Literature
- Classic novels, such as 'The Great Gatsby' and 'Where the Red Fern Grows', often contain tearjerker elements that compel readers to confront deep feelings.
- Authors use tragic character arcs and poignant moments to create lasting emotional impact, connecting readers to the narrative.
Origin of 'tearjerker'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'tearjerker' is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, combining 'tear' and 'jerker' to describe something that pulls at your emotions.
- It became popular in the 1960s, especially with the rise of emotional dramas in film and literature.
The term 'tearjerker' originated in the early 20th century as a colloquial expression to describe emotional works of art that induce tears. The word combines 'tear' (as in crying) with 'jerker' (suggesting something that jerks or tugs at the emotions). Tearjerkers have been a popular genre in literature, theater, and film, aiming to elicit strong emotional responses from their audiences.