rom-com
/ˈrɒm.kɒm/
Meaning
A 'rom-com' is a casual, short term for a romantic comedy. This is a genre of movie or television show that combines romantic plotlines with lighthearted, humorous elements. It is widely used in casual conversation when talking about movie preferences.
Examples
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We stayed in on Friday night and watched a classic 90s rom-com.
We stayed in on Friday night and watched a classic 90s rom-com.
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I'm not usually into rom-coms, but this one actually had a really clever script.
I'm not usually into rom-coms, but this one actually had a really clever script.
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She is writing a screenplay for a modern rom-com set in London.
She is writing a screenplay for a modern rom-com set in London.
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Do you want to watch an action movie or a cheesy rom-com tonight?
Do you want to watch an action movie or a cheesy rom-com tonight?
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That new movie is the perfect rom-com—it's funny, sweet, and has a happy ending.
That new movie is the perfect rom-com—it's funny, sweet, and has a happy ending.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I love romantic-comedy movies.
✓ I love rom-coms.
While 'romantic comedy' is grammatically correct, native speakers almost always use the short, casual form 'rom-com' in everyday conversation.
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✗ Let's watch a rom com.
✓ Let's watch a rom-com.
This compound noun is typically written with a hyphen to link the two shortened words together.
Related Expressions
Practice
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If you want something lighthearted and funny about people falling in love, we should watch a ___.
💡 A short blend of romance and comedy.
Show answer
rom-com
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My sister loves watching ___ on rainy Sunday afternoons.
💡 Plural form of the word.
Show answer
rom-coms