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Why are soap operas called soap operas?

7 replies

Y0rkshirelass · 21/05/2007 09:52

Just wondering

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bea · 21/05/2007 09:54

i think in 1950's america, when soap operas were becoming popular... advent of telly etc...... the main advertiser between the serial were washing soap commercials... thus they became known as soap operas

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themildmanneredjanitor · 21/05/2007 09:54

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Carmenere · 21/05/2007 09:54

Because when they first started in the US for some reason they had soap powder ads on between them, I think.

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eidsvold · 21/05/2007 09:54

they used to be sponsored by or have adverts for soap during them.

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Y0rkshirelass · 21/05/2007 09:55

Ah I see, but why the opera bit then?

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MrsBadger · 21/05/2007 09:59

cause the plotlines are as overblown and dramatic as opera - long-lost daughters, mistaken identity, crises, murder, adultery, lingering death, fire, flood, catastrophe etc

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Y0rkshirelass · 21/05/2007 10:00

Great, thanks all!

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