What does “Tear-Jerker” mean?
"A tear-jerker" means something that is very sad and likely to make you cry.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The movie was a real tear-jerker, I couldn't stop crying.
Example
Her speech at the funeral was a tear-jerker, there wasn't a dry eye in the room.
Example
The ending of the book was such a tear-jerker, it left me feeling emotional for days
Is “Tear-Jerker” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Tear-Jerker” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Tear-Jerker” effectively in context?
You can use "Tear-Jerker" to describe something, such as a movie, book, or speech, that is very sad and likely to make you cry. It emphasizes the emotional impact of the subject matter. For example, if you watch a movie that makes you cry, you might say, 'That movie was a real tear-jerker, I couldn't stop crying.'
- 1Movie
The movie was a real tear-jerker, I couldn't stop crying.
- 2Funeral
Her speech at the funeral was a tear-jerker, there wasn't a dry eye in the room.
- 3Book
The ending of the book was such a tear-jerker, it left me feeling emotional for days.
Similar phrases to “Tear-Jerker”:
Heart-wrenching
Causing intense sadness or distress
Example
The documentary about the war was heart-wrenching, it brought tears to my eyes.
Emotional rollercoaster
Something that causes a wide range of emotions, including sadness
Example
The play took me on an emotional rollercoaster, I laughed and cried throughout.
Gut-wrenching
Causing intense emotional pain or distress
Example
The news of her passing was gut-wrenching, it felt like a part of me was gone.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Tear-Jerker” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Tear-Jerker" is unknown.
Is “Tear-Jerker” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Tear-Jerker" is a common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe emotional movies, books, speeches, or events that evoke strong feelings of sadness.
What tone does “Tear-Jerker” have?
"Tear-Jerker" conveys a tone of deep emotion and sadness. It is used to describe something that has a powerful impact on one's emotions and is likely to bring tears to their eyes.
Can “Tear-Jerker” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Tear-Jerker" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that describes the emotional impact of a particular subject. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal discussions or writing.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The movie was a real tear-jerker, I couldn't stop crying.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'That movie was such a tear-jerker!' to express the emotional impact of the movie.
