Soap opera

Origin

From soap + opera: soap from the soap and detergent commercials originally broadcast during the shows, which were aimed at women who were cleaning their house at the time of viewing; opera from the melodramatic character of the shows.

Full definition of soap opera

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.

Synonyms

• soap colloquial, daytime serial; story (colloquial, popular among older people)