The word "tearjerkers" is spelled with three syllables: /ˈtɪər ˌdʒɜːrkərz/. The first syllable contains the short "i" sound as in "sit." The second syllable has a diphthong, combining the "ear" sound in "pear" with the "er" sound in "her." The final syllable features the "er" sound again, followed by the "s" sound. This term refers to movies, books, or music that are designed to evoke strong emotions and cause the listener or viewer to cry.
Tearjerkers refer to emotional stimuli, such as movies, books, or stories, that are specifically designed to elicit strong feelings of sadness or sentimentality in the audience or readers. These well-crafted narratives often employ various techniques, such as heart-wrenching plotlines, poignant character development, or tragic events, to evoke tears and elicit an emotional response.
The term "tearjerker" is derived from the concept of inducing tears in the eyes of the audience, signifying the emotional impact that the story has on them. These works are focused on tugging at the heartstrings and resonating with deep-seated emotions, often triggering feelings of empathy and sympathy towards the characters and situations portrayed.
Tearjerkers are renowned for their ability to touch individuals on a profound emotional level, inspiring a release of tears and allowing viewers or readers to experience a cathartic emotional journey. They are commonly associated with themes of love, loss, sacrifice, tragedy, or redemption, as they explore the complexities of human emotions and the fragility of the human condition.
While tearjerkers are primarily designed to evoke sadness, they can also serve as a means of catharsis, providing a safe space for individuals to explore and process their own emotions. They have the power to create a deep emotional connection between the audience or readers and the characters, leaving a lasting impact and often resulting in a shared, collective emotional experience. Tearjerkers are widely recognized for their ability to stir the soul and leave a lasting impression, reminding us of the inherent beauty and fragility of the human experience.
The word "tearjerkers" is derived from two separate words: "tear" and "jerkers".
The term "tear" in this context refers to the watery secretion that comes from our eyes when we cry. It is a Middle English word that can be traced back to the Old English word "tear", meaning a drop of clear salty liquid produced from the eye.
The word "jerkers" is a nominalization of the verb "jerk". The verb "jerk" dates back to the 16th century and originally meant to move suddenly or sharply. In this case, it is metaphorically used to describe the emotional impact or action that causes tears to be jerked or pulled from our eyes.