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In MyMemeCards, the meme card game, “Tear Jerker” is a common card of the Memes World series 76, number 22531 of the collection, and the 29th best-known meme of its 298 cards. Here is what the meme means, where it comes from, and how to get its card.
What does the “Tear Jerker” meme mean?
Calling a work a tear jerker warns that it is going straight for your tears. The label can be sincere, to recommend a moving film, or ironic, when a scene seems to pile on the feelings. Online it tags reunion clips, tributes, heartwarming ads and goodbye scenes. It also doubles as a heads-up: grab tissues before pressing play. Used as a joke, it can also tease a friend who cries at everything.
Where does the “Tear Jerker” meme come from?
According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, cited by Know Your Meme, the compound “tear jerker” goes back to 1911, when it described newspaper stories about upsetting events. Its precise origin is unknown. Online, the term took hold in the 2000s: in July 2003 an Urban Dictionary entry framed it as a dramatic film subgenre with a sad ending. In September 2004 a movie forum posted a list of fifty tear jerker films. In February 2005 the BBC reported that the farewell scene in E.T. topped a survey of over 70,000 voters. In October 2008 the Daily Mail announced Bambi had been voted the top tear jerker film of all time. In August 2010 a “Tear Jerker” page was created on TV Tropes, and the topic kept resurfacing on Reddit and in media rankings.
- 1911The compound “tear jerker” appears, per the Online Etymology Dictionary.
- February 14, 2005The BBC reports a poll topped by the farewell scene in E.T.
- October 12, 2008The Daily Mail says Bambi was voted the top tear jerker film.
- August 1, 2010A “Tear Jerker” page is created on TV Tropes.
How to use the “Tear Jerker” meme
- Warn a friend that tonight’s movie is a real tear jerker and tissues are required.
- Comment on a reunion video with a simple “tear jerker”.
- Tease an overly pushy scene by calling it a tear jerker.
- Ask a forum for the best tear jerkers to watch.
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The “Tear Jerker” card in MyMemeCards
| Number | No. 22531 |
|---|---|
| Rarity | Common |
| Collection | Memes World series 76 |
| Fame | 65/100 · #29 of 298 |
| Recycle value | 5 MemeCoins (15 in Shiny) |
How to get the “Tear Jerker” card
Every pack holds 5 meme cards, the first 3 of them Common; Tear Jerker comes out of the Memes World series 76 as a common card. The pack odds say what each rarity weighs.
Your first pack is free and needs no account. After that a new free pack lands every 10 minutes, up to 3 waiting for you. You can also buy the card with MemeCoins on the market, bid for it at auction, or trade it — and a double recycles into 5 MemeCoins.
Open your free pack
5 meme cards, one of them at least Rare. One free pack per person.
Free · no account needed
Odds per card, averaged over a pack: Common 72%, Rare 23.9%, Epic 3.2%, Legendary 0.56%, Mythic 0.3%, Full Art ≤ 0.1%, Shiny 0.2%. Cards 1 to 3 are always Common, cards 4 and 5 climb the rarities. Rates drop for cards that circulate a lot. Details
Memes like “Tear Jerker”
More cards of the Memes World series 76
Frequently asked questions
What does tear jerker mean?
It is a melodramatic story, film or video designed to make people cry.
How old is the term tear jerker?
The compound dates to 1911 according to the Online Etymology Dictionary, where it described upsetting newspaper stories.
What is the most famous tear jerker?
In a survey the BBC reported in 2005, the farewell scene in E.T. came first. A 2008 poll put Bambi on top.
Is tear jerker a compliment?
It depends on the tone. It can recommend a moving work or criticize emotion that feels forced.
How do I get the Tear Jerker meme card?
Open a pack of MyMemeCards: “Tear Jerker” is a common card of the Memes World series 76. Your first pack is free, with no account, and you can also buy, trade or win the card at auction.
How rare is the Tear Jerker card?
It is a Common card. Rarity decides which pack slot can deal it, and what it is worth on the market.
Sources: Know Your Meme — Tear Jerker · checked on October 18, 2026.
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Open your free pack: 5 meme cards, no account needed.