weepie

USAGE SUMMARY

"weepie" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a film, book, or song that is emotionally moving or likely to make someone cry. An example is: "That movie was such a weepie; I couldn't stop crying." Alternative expressions include "tearjerker," "emotional film," and "heart-wrencher."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As a weepie it works, but it is an impoverished cinema that has nothing better to offer".Kitchen", the other "date movie", is a fey, romantic comedy, light years away from Yim Ho's best work, "Homecoming", which boldly confronted the 1997 issue 13 years ago.

The Economist

The author acknowledged that the novel was a depressing read, but she said that it was like a "Hollywood weepie".

Encyclopedia Britannica

And no wonder – Creed is both a smart, fresh take on an old story and a genuine male weepie.

Independent

Creed is the best male weepie in years because it plays fair: it sets out to tell a tale of redemption against the odds and it delivers.

Independent

A good weepie makes you smile through the tears, regardless of gender, genre or generation.

Independent

This is a weepie so wildly manipulative that it is bound to provoke an allergic reaction in many viewers.

Independent

Teen weepie The Fault In Our Stars is a disingenuous affair.

Independent

Based on Philip Roth's 2008 novel of the same name, Indignation could prove a seriously hard-hitting weepie.

Independent

Not every male weepie is about overcoming impossible odds.

Independent

An overtly mystical, triple-layered narrative set in the present, the cosmic future and 16th-century central America, The Fountain was booed in Venice and derided by the press – the film-trade magazine Variety dubbing it a "hippy trippy space odyssey meets contempo weepie meets conquistador caper".

Independent

The cover, which has been 'The prophets of doom had a field day over Maury Yeston's musical Titanic when it was launched on Broadway in 1997 ahead of James Cameron's blockbuster cinematic weepie.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Incorporate the term when discussing audience reactions specifically intended by the director or screenwriter.

Common error

Avoid using "weepie" in high-level academic film theory unless you are specifically discussing the cultural history of the term itself; use "melodrama" or "sentimental fiction" instead for a more scholarly tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "weepie" functions as a noun that categorizes a specific genre of film or fiction. According to Ludwig AI, it is primarily used to describe media that is overtly sentimental. It acts as a colloquial label for a sub-genre, often found in film criticism and entertainment journalism.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "weepie" is a highly effective and widely accepted term in journalism and casual conversation to describe media intended to make the audience cry. Ludwig examples demonstrate its versatility across various media types, from classic Hollywood films like Stella Dallas to modern hits like The Fault In Our Stars. While it is grammatically correct and very common, writers should be mindful of its informal tone, opting for more descriptive alternatives in academic settings. Ultimately, it remains the quintessential label for stories that prioritize emotional impact above all else.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tearjerker

More common in American English and carries the same emotional connotation

heart-wrencher

Emphasizes the deep emotional pain or distress caused by the content

melodrama

More formal and often implies a slightly exaggerated emotional style

sentimental film

A more literal and descriptive alternative without the colloquial tone

emotional drama

Focuses on the depth of feeling rather than just the intent to make the audience cry

sad movie

Simplifies the concept for a broader or younger audience

romantic drama

Specifies the sub-genre since many such films involve romance

tear-inducing story

Focuses on the narrative's effect rather than the medium itself

soppy film

A British colloquialism that implies excessive or silly sentimentality

moving picture

A classic and formal way to describe a film that stirs the emotions

FAQs

What does "weepie" mean in a movie context?

In a movie context, "weepie" refers to a sad or sentimental film designed to elicit tears from the audience, similar to a "tearjerker".

Is "weepie" an informal word?

Yes, it is considered an informal noun. In formal writing, you might prefer terms like "sentimental drama" or ""melodrama"".

Can I use "weepie" to describe a book?

While it is most commonly applied to films, you can use it for books that are particularly moving, though "tearjerker" is more versatile for literature.

What is the difference between "weepie" and "melodrama"?

A "weepie" focuses specifically on the emotional response of crying, whereas a ""melodrama"" refers to a style of drama with exaggerated characters and exciting events intended to appeal to the emotions.