emocionals

Emocionals is a neologism used in Spanish-language online discourse to describe people who exhibit pronounced emotional expressiveness. It is not an established term in psychology or sociology, and its meaning varies by speaker. The word derives from emocional and frequently appears with the English plural -s in digital slang, reflecting hybrid forms common in internet speech.

Usage and meanings: In some contexts, "emocionals" refers to a general tendency toward sensitivity, empathy, or intensity of feeling. It can be neutral, describing someone who wears their heart on their sleeve, or pejorative, implying melodrama or overreaction. The term may be used as a self-label—"soy un emocional"—in informal, often humorous contexts. It also appears in memes and discussions about media, where films, songs, or events are said to trigger "emocional" responses in audiences.

Context and debate: Because it lacks a formal definition, its use can be subjective and context-dependent. Critics argue that the label risks stereotyping or trivializing genuine emotional experience, while proponents view it as a playful way to describe affective openness.

See also: emotional expression, emotional intelligence, affect, affective labor.