SOB SISTER Meaning and
Definition
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The term "sob sister" refers to a journalist or writer, typically a woman, known for sensationalizing emotional or sentimental stories in order to evoke sympathy or compassion from readers or viewers. This term gained popularity in the early 20th century, during a time when newspapers were engaged in a fierce competition for readership. Sob sisters were known for their tendency to focus on tear-jerking personal narratives, often emphasizing tragic circumstances, heartbreak, or victimhood, with the aim of capturing the attention and emotions of their audience.
The origin of the term is rooted in the idea that these writers were able to create an atmosphere that would induce sobbing or sympathetic emotions from readers, drawing them in through an emotional connection. Sob sister stories often revolve around topics such as child labor, poverty, wars, or personal tragedies, and are characterized by their sentimental language, detailed descriptions of suffering, and the portrayal of vulnerable individuals.
However, sob sister journalism has also attracted criticism for its perceived exploitation of human suffering and for the potential manipulation of emotions to generate higher viewership or readership. Critics argue that it can overshadow objective reporting and distort information by prioritizing emotions over facts.
In contemporary usage, the term is sometimes used to describe any person, regardless of gender, who excessively expresses sentimentality or adopts a melodramatic approach when narrating or discussing personal stories or experiences.
Common Misspellings for SOB SISTER
- aob sister
- zob sister
- xob sister
- dob sister
- eob sister
- wob sister
- sib sister
- skb sister
- slb sister
- spb sister
- s0b sister
- s9b sister
- sov sister
- son sister
- soh sister
- sog sister
- sob aister
- sob zister
- sob xister
Etymology of SOB SISTER
The term "sob sister" originated in the early 20th century in American English. It is derived from the noun "sob" (meaning a convulsive catching of the breath accompanied by an involuntary shaking of the body, as an expression of strong emotion, especially grief or sadness) and the noun "sister" (used metaphorically to refer to a female companion or associate).
The term was initially used to describe a female journalist, often working for a newspaper, who specialized in writing sentimental or emotionally charged stories, particularly those focusing on human suffering, tragedy, or personal misfortune. These writers were known for evoking empathy and engaging readers' emotions through their stories, often prompting tears (or sobs) from the audience. Hence, the term "sob sister" became associated with these female journalists.
