- Emo city refers to a fictional place or concept that is characterized by a strong presence of emo subculture. Emo culture emerged in the 1980s and became popular in the 2000s, primarily associated with emotional music, fashion, and a sense of introspection. In an "emo city," one might expect to see a vibrant music scene with emo bands playing at local venues, graffiti and art expressing raw emotions, unique fashion styles like dark clothing, band merchandise, piercings, and colorful hair. The atmosphere may be melancholic, yet also filled with creativity and a sense of community that allows individuals to express their emotions freely.