“Crier” or “Cryer” refers to a person who publicly announces news or, in modern slang, someone who expresses emotions openly, especially by crying. It can be historical, literary, or casual depending on context.Ever read the words “crier” or “cryer” in a book, text, or social media post and wondered what exactly they mean? You’re not alone! These terms might seem interchangeable, but they actually carry distinct meanings depending on context. A crier historically referred to someone who made public announcements in a town or city. Meanwhile, cryer can describe someone who expresses emotions openly, sometimes even used playfully in modern texting or online chats.
In this article, we’ll break it all down for you. You’ll learn:
- The definition of crier and cryer
- Their origin and popularity
- How they’re used in different platforms and contexts
- Real-life examples and conversation snippets
- Related terms and common mistakes
By the end, you’ll confidently understand and use these terms without second-guessing.
What Does Crier / Cryer Mean?
Crier: A person who announces news publicly, traditionally on streets or in towns.
Cryer: Someone who cries easily or expresses emotions openly; also used in playful slang.
Type: Noun / slang depending on context
Platforms: Literature, history texts, social media, texting, chat apps
Example:
- Historical: “The town crier announced the festival schedule.”
- Modern/Slang: “Don’t be such a cryer over a tiny mistake!”
Origin and Popularity
Crier:
The term “crier” dates back to medieval Europe, referring to official town announcers who spread news, proclamations, and edicts. Town criers were especially common before widespread literacy and newspapers.
Timeline:
- 12th–18th century: Town criers were essential in England and France.
- Popular phrase: “Hear ye! Hear ye!” became synonymous with announcements.
Cryer:
“Cryer” emerged later as an English term meaning someone who cries easily, first seen in literature around the 16th century. With the rise of online culture, it’s now often used casually in texts or social media to describe emotional reactions, sometimes humorously.
Cultural Note: Today, “crier/cryer” is recognized both in historical contexts and modern informal slang, bridging literature and everyday language.
Crier / Cryer Meaning in Different Contexts
| Context | Meaning | Example | Formality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Historical / Literature | Public announcer of news or proclamations | “The crier rang his bell at dawn.” | Formal |
| Texting / Chat | Someone expressing emotions openly | “Stop being such a cryer 😂” | Informal |
| Social Media (Instagram / TikTok) | Playful term for emotional or dramatic reactions | Caption: “Mood: total cryer today 💧” | Casual |
| Business / Formal Chats | Rarely used; can describe historical roles in presentations | “The historical crier represented civic authority.” | Formal |
Insite / Insight: The Tiny Difference You Always Get Wrong 🤔
Examples of Crier / Cryer in Conversations
Informal Chat:
- Friend 1: “Why are you so sad?”
- Friend 2: “I’m just a cryer sometimes 😅”
Texting / Social Media:
- “That scene made me such a cryer, I literally teared up!”
Historical / Literary Use:
- “The crier shouted the news across the town square, ensuring everyone heard.”
Formal / Academic:
- “Town criers played a pivotal role in disseminating information in pre-modern societies.”
Similar or Related Terms
| Term | Meaning | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Town Crier | Official public announcer | Historical / literature |
| Crybaby | Someone who cries easily | Informal / slang |
| Weeper | Poetic term for someone crying | Literary |
| Drama Queen | Exaggerates emotions | Modern slang / playful |
Note: “Cryer” and “crybaby” can be used playfully in texts, but “town crier” is strictly historical.
How to Use Crier / Cryer Correctly
Do’s:
✅ Use crier when talking about historical or literary contexts.
✅ Use cryer in casual conversations for emotional or playful contexts.
Don’ts:
❌ Don’t use “crier” to describe someone who’s crying casually.
❌ Avoid using “cryer” in formal or professional documents.
Tone and Audience:
- Crier: Formal, historical, literary
- Cryer: Casual, friendly, social media-oriented
Common Mistakes or Misinterpretations
- Confusing crier and cryer is common. Remember:
- Crier = announcer, historical role
- Cryer = emotional person
- Misusing “cryer” in professional emails can seem unprofessional.
- Assuming “crier” is slang is incorrect; it has formal, historical roots.
FAQ Section
1. What does crier / cryer mean in texting?
“Cryer” is used to describe someone expressing emotions openly, often humorously. “Crier” is rarely used in casual texting unless referencing history.
2. Is crier / cryer slang or formal?
- Crier is formal and historical.
- Cryer is informal, playful slang in modern contexts.
3. What’s the difference between crier and cryer?
A crier announces news publicly, while a cryer is someone who cries or shows emotions openly.
4. How do you reply to cryer in chat?
You can respond with empathy, humor, or playful teasing, e.g., “Haha, you’re such a cryer today!”
5. Where is cryer most used?
On social media, texting apps, or informal chats among friends.
6. When should you not use cryer?
Avoid using it in formal or professional contexts where casual slang is inappropriate.
Conclusion
Now that you know the difference between crier and cryer, you’ll never confuse the two again! Crier connects us to history and literature, describing those who made public announcements in towns and cities. Cryer, on the other hand, is a modern, playful term for someone who openly expresses emotions, often seen in texting or social media. By understanding the origin, meaning, and context of these words, you can use them confidently in writing, chats, or academic discussions. Whether you’re referencing medieval town announcements or joking with a friend about their tearful reaction, knowing the proper usage will make your communication clear, accurate, and a little more fun.
Tip: Keep exploring language trends—you never know when an old word like “crier” might pop up in a new, modern twist!
Isla Merrin is a language and writing expert at Definevs.com, creating simple, engaging guides to help readers master words, grammar, and modern English usage.
