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Soap opera

//ˈsoʊp ˌɑ.pɚ.ə// noun

Definitions

Noun

1
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. countable
"This chapter considers the growing interest in the popular Welsh-language soap opera, Pobol Y Cwm (People of the Valley), and the extent to which discourses of Welshness and definitions of cultural and national identity contribute to the appeal and longevity of the soap."
2
a serialized program usually dealing with sentimentalized family matters that is broadcast on radio or television (frequently sponsored by a company advertising soap products) wordnet
3
Such serials in general. uncountable
4
Any story that is like a soap opera, as by being convoluted or melodramatic. broadly, countable, uncountable
"Salal invented some soap opera about a mystery informant, and Meg sold it to the cops."

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.

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