Emo is a subculture that emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s, characterized by emotional expression, dark clothing, black eyeliner, and often associated with alternative rock music. The term emo originally stood for "emotive" or "emocore," referring to a genre of punk rock that emphasizes expressiveness and passionate lyrics. However, the word has evolved to encompass a broader subculture that values self-expression, individuality, and often identifies with themes of sadness, depression, and heartbreak in their music, fashion, and artwork. Emos are known for their dark clothing styles, black eyeliner, and straightedge lifestyle choices (abstaining from drugs, alcohol, and promiscuous sex). The emo subculture has been the subject of much criticism and parody, but it remains a significant part of youth culture today.