Why are soap operas called soap operas?

[Y0rkshirelass]

Just wondering

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

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

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

Ah I see, but why the opera bit then?

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

Great, thanks all!