Alternative music genre since the mid-1980s

EMO

["Here’s a helpful hint for the clue:\n\n*\"This genre, often associated with expressive lyrics and a distinctive fashion style, evolved from punk.\"*\n\nThis hint:\n- Nudges toward the emotional and stylistic aspects of the genre.\n- References its punk roots without directly naming the answer.\n- Avoids repeating the original clue’s phrasing while keeping it accessible."]

The clue **"Alternative music genre since the mid-1980s"** leads to the answer **"EMO"** through the following reasoning: 1. **Definition & Context**: "Emotional hardcore" (or "emo") is a subgenre of alternative rock that emerged in the mid-1980s as an offshoot of hardcore punk. The clue directly references this timeframe and the genre's classification under alternative music. 2. **Wordplay & Brevity**: The answer is a concise abbreviation ("emo") rather than the full term, which is common in crossword clues to fit the grid. The clue doesn’t rely on puns or indirect wordplay but instead tests the solver’s knowledge of music genres. 3. **Cultural Reference**: The term "emo" is widely recognized in music culture, particularly among fans of alternative and punk rock, making it a fitting answer for those familiar with the genre’s history. Thus, the clue straightforwardly points to "emo" as the correct answer based on its historical and musical context.