weepie: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, chiefly journalistic, conversational
Quick answer
What does “weepie” mean?
A sentimental, emotionally charged film or story intended to make the audience cry.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sentimental, emotionally charged film or story intended to make the audience cry.
A sentimental, emotionally manipulative work in any narrative medium; broadly, any situation, event, or piece of art designed to elicit tears. Often used affectionately or dismissively.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term "weepie" is primarily British English. In American English, the standard term is "tearjerker". "Weepie" is understood in AmE but used less frequently, often for stylistic or ironic effect.
Connotations
BrE: Casual, sometimes affectionate or gently mocking. AmE: Recognised but marked as British; using it can sound intentionally quaint or ironic.
Frequency
High frequency in BrE informal/cultural commentary; low frequency in AmE, where "tearjerker" is dominant.
Grammar
How to Use “weepie” in a Sentence
watch + weepiebe + a + (adjective) + weepiecall + something + a weepieVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “weepie” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- That film was a bit weepie.
American English
- It had a very weepie ending.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in film/TV marketing or production discussions (e.g., 'The studio greenlit a period weepie.').
Academic
Rare in formal writing; may appear in film/media studies in informal contexts.
Everyday
Common in informal conversation and cultural reviews (e.g., 'Fancy watching a weepie tonight?').
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “weepie”
- Using 'weepie' to describe a person who cries easily (incorrect). Confusing it with the adjective 'weepy' (which can describe a person or film).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, though it is most common for films. It can be extended to any sentimental narrative work.
Not necessarily. It often carries an affectionate or humorous tone, acknowledging the intent to elicit tears. It can be dismissive if used critically.
A 'weepie' is specifically focused on eliciting sadness and tears. 'Melodrama' is a broader genre featuring exaggerated emotions, plot, and characters, which may or may not aim primarily for tears.
Yes, both derive from 'weep'. 'Weepy' can describe a person prone to crying or a sad film ('a weepy movie'). 'Weepie' is specifically the noun for the film genre.
A sentimental, emotionally charged film or story intended to make the audience cry.
Weepie is usually informal, chiefly journalistic, conversational in register.
Weepie: in British English it is pronounced /ˈwiːpi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈwiːpi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a real three-hankie weepie (a very sad film)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a film that makes you **WEEP**-y. The '-ie' ending makes it sound informal and slightly cute, like 'movie'.
Conceptual Metaphor
EMOTIONAL RELEASE IS A PHYSICAL FLUID (TEARS) / ART IS A MANIPULATOR
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest American English equivalent to 'weepie'?