Every time someone uses the word "emo," they appropriate it with someone self-harming, becoming sad, and possibly being angsty, among other things. That's not what "emo" is. Nobody has a damn clue what it truly means!

"Emo" is short for "emotional hardcore" — a style of rock music inspired by hardcore punk characterized by complex arrangement of instruments and expressive lyrics. "Emo" has nothing to do with depression, self-harm, angst, introversion, and the color black. The second you use emo to describe an individual who's sad, clinically depressed, etc., you reinforce very bigoted stereotypes.

Depression is a very real illness that approximately 350 million people suffer from. To live with it can be an enormous struggle. By appropriating "emo" with a real illness and real emotions, you show complete ignorance and inconsideration towards more than 250 million people. Appropriating "emo" with real-life implications is ableism, and it's disgusting!