TEARJERKER Meaning and
Definition
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A tearjerker is a noun that refers to a highly emotional or sentimental work of art, such as a movie, book, or song, that has the power to evoke strong emotions and bring tears to one's eyes. The term "tearjerker" originated in the 1920s and is often used to describe various forms of entertainment or storytelling that tug at people's heartstrings.
Typically, a tearjerker revolves around a storyline or scene that portrays deep and poignant human experiences, often involving themes of love, loss, sacrifice, or tragedy. These works often introduce relatable characters who face overwhelming challenges and emotional turmoil, creating a deep emotional connection with the audience. Through skillful storytelling, tearjerkers manipulate the audience's emotions, eliciting feelings of sadness, empathy, or nostalgia.
The emotional impact of a tearjerker is often intensified through the use of dramatic music, heartfelt dialogues, or emotionally charged performances by actors. The purpose of a tearjerker is not just to make the audience cry, but also to evoke a cathartic release of emotions, allowing individuals to connect with their own experiences of sorrow or grief and find solace in the emotional release provided by the storytelling.
While tearjerkers are highly effective at evoking strong emotional responses, they may also be criticized for their sentimental or contrived nature. Nonetheless, these works continue to hold a significant place in the world of entertainment, as they provide a means of connecting with and reflecting upon the complexity of human emotions.
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Etymology of TEARJERKER
The word "tearjerker" is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. It is a compound word comprising two separate terms: "tear", referring to the liquid that comes out of human eyes when crying, and "jerker", which is derived from "jerk", meaning a sudden and forceful movement.
The term "tearjerker" was initially used to describe a melodramatic or sentimental form of entertainment, such as a book, play, or movie, that is designed to evoke strong emotions, particularly sadness. It gained popularity in the 1920s and 1930s to describe heart-wrenching stories that easily make people cry or shed tears of sympathy.
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