soap opera
Meanings
noun
- A radio or television serial, typically broadcast in the afternoon or evening, about the lives of melodramatic characters, which are often filled with strong emotions, highly dramatic situations and suspense.
- Such serials in general.
- Any story that is like a soap opera, as by being convoluted or melodramatic.
Pronunciation
Word forms
Etymology
From the soap and detergent commercials originally broadcast during the shows, which were aimed at the audience of women who were doing their cleaning; opera from the melodramatic character of the shows, as the earlier horse opera.
Synonyms
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