Gothic culture and style is whatever the perpetrator wants it to be. Every individual has their own interpretation of what is and what is not Gothic. The style is based on a few basic common denominators: black usually being the precursor to the rest. A person who adopts the Gothic style will inevitably place their own mark on what is deemed to be 'Goth', variants in style, poise and demeanour are common among Goth's and no two are ever the same. Goth's as a sub-culture are undeniably the most misunderstood, the stereotypes portrayed by the media and other groups (i.e. the chav) are grossly inaccurate and offensive on occasion! 90% of the Gothic culture revolves around intellect, creativity and differentiation. A usual Goth will try to distance themselves from the 'norm' of society, sometimes to feel different, sometimes for attention (although on a temporary basis) but nine times out of ten it is just because they want to. A Goths' individuality is paramount, we do it because we want to and we do it because it makes us feel happy and secure within our own skin...nothing more.
Individual, creative, insightful, unique to themselves. These are presiding attributes of the Gothic culture.
by VIII June 7, 2005
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An aurora of subcultural awesomeness. Usually misunderstood by the public as a magnet for darkness and self-destruction, Goth is a form of music and fashion that is embraced by many (including myself)
Bauhaus, Christian Death, and Siouxsie and the Banshees are actualy goth bands.
by Ike Furam May 17, 2009
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A completely misunderstood fashion genre.

It is thought to be about "no one understanding", wearing all black and a lot of make up.

Goth (the fashion genre) originally was based on death. It's followers found death fasinating which is why they wear all black. They also add many skull and cross accessories (and other death-related items). Goths are the opposite of the "Emo" fashion genre, the goths being calm and the emos being ridiculously flamboyant.
Person A: Have you ever seen a real goth?
Person B: No, I've only seen smelly kids wearing all black and not showering.
by RegretedDreams November 25, 2011
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Someone who likes the darker side of things. Real Goths are not depressing and suicidal like the posers you see at Hot Topic. Goths are fun to be around and aren't afraid to laugh at themselves every so often. They don't worship Satan and aren't evil despite what some ignorant people might say. Goths don't all dress alike either. They like to create their own unique style. Goths are also very intelligent and creative. A lot of them are writers and artists. Goths do not envy the popular people. They are what they are because it makes them happy. Goths would rather stay who they are and be among the so called "freaks" than be like everyone else and be popular. They understand that there are more important things in life than popularity. A person who likes to dress and act differently to the other people in society, normally in black but some like much brighter colors. They tend to be thinkers and more often than not quite creative. They have a cynical sense of humor, and are able to laugh at both themselves and other people. They listen to and appreciate all sorts of good music. They can be gay/ depressed/ weird/ mentally disturbed, but more often than not they are just normal people. A Goth will walk alone where others will hide inside their herd. A Goth will insult only those who have earned it whereas others will insult people for things as shallow as the clothes they are wearing. A Goths insult will be witty and cutting, others insult more often than not will consist of them making a repulsive noise. In the morning, a Goth will ask themselves “What do I want to wear?” whilst others will ask themselves “What in this selection of clothes is the most acceptable thing to wear?” A Goth will have a friend because they are good for someone, a others will have a friend because that someone is good for them. A Goth approaches new situations with a willingness to think and find the best way forward, others will react with aggression to that which it does not already know. A Goth will listen to music that is meaningful to their life and thought provoking, others will listen to music which will tell him how to behave. Goths have no interest in popularity whatsoever. They think outside the box. Goths don't usually care what other people think of them. Goths don't care, either what sexuality, religion, or whatever others are. Goths are people who are obviously unique or different. Most choose to dress in black or darker colors showing what they feel for in life. Not like what a lot of people say, Goths don't always wear black since they wear bright colors too. Goths are usually the ones who don't speak much, dyes their hair in strange colors, shows mostly dark, creative artwork, and such. They're not limelight hungry. They tend to focus on the darker side of life. Goth is suggestive of a dark, morbid outlook on life, but not without a sense of humor. They attract friends who are like them, who aren't necessarily gothic but enjoy a good time and know how to think for themselves. You'll find that generally they are funny and interesting and aren't afraid to say what they think. ’Goth’ is not about Satan worshipping, scaring people or shocking them. It is a lifestyle, an art. It's beauty, showing people who you are. ‘Goths’ tend to have true depth and insight and an opinion worth listening to. There thoughts are darker and they perceive things differently to how other might do. Goths have a way of recognizing the beauty of things that seem so morbid and tragic to others, although anyone can see these things ‘normal people’ usually tend not too. Goths like to be individuals. Goths embrace ALL of life, good and bad. Goths understand that the best and most lasting joy is tinged with a little sadness, and that all love is bittersweet. Goths understand that not everybody has to be happy 24/7, and that the way to succeed is not by pretending you are. Sunlit skies are beautiful, yes, but so are dark cloudy ones. What is white without black? What is a rose without thorns? Thus, by embracing the shadows as well as the sun, Goths are, in many cases, actually more emotionally healthy than those in mainstream society. Goth is someone who likes the different side of things. They have their own choice in music, and they don't care if no-one else likes it or not. Real Goths are not depressing and suicidal like the posers you see around town. Goths are fun to be around with and aren't afraid to laugh at themselves every so often. They don't all worship Satan and aren't evil despite what some ignorant people might say. A Goth is just a person, usually one who appreciates both the "positive" and "negative", the "yin" and "yang", "good" and "evil" aspects of life. Usually Goths believe that there's nothing in this world that can be completely spelled out in black and white. Usually Goths tend to wear black clothing, ornate with metal, but also often enjoy interspersing it with bright colors. A lot of Goths dye their hair or have piercings, or wear lots of makeup, which is more an artistic outlet than anything. Pure Goths: Usually found dressing in sort of old-school European style clothing, with lots of black. Often is a strong supporter of animal rights, or a vegan. They usually subscribes to some form of paganism. Being Goth is not about self inflicted harm.

GOTHS CAN SHOP AT HOT TOPIC... SOME WO SHOP THERE ARE POSERS BUT GOTHS DRESS HOW THEY LIKE AND IF WE LIKE HOT TOPIC, WE WILL SHOP THERE
She dresses in black and chains and such, she is a happy person usually but has her problems like most do, is she goth? Maybe.
by Meeeeeeeeeeeeee Urban September 16, 2006
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The word Goth has many different meanings to many people, but a simple definition is this: Someone who enjoys a darker perspective on life. Goths tend to be intellectual, philosophical, and romantic. They find beauty in even the ugliest things, and are often attracted to things such as death, morbidity, vampirism, and other such subjects. A true Goth never intends to be Goth, they just are. People who suddenly decide to "become goth" because of their peers are not really Gothic. Also, I'd like to clear the misconception of "Goths being Violent,Anti-Social, or IE Columbine". Real Goths are passive, quiet, and gentle. They are never violent at others, and if a goth "does" pick fights, then that person is not for real.

Some good goth bands to listen to are: L'ame Immortelle, Nightwish, Leave's Eyes, Bauhaus, and Switchblade Symphony.

These people ARE NOT goth: Marylin Manson, Limp Bizkit, ICP (Who in heck thought ICP was goth? Their just, um, Mentally Retarded)and no, My Chemical Romance is not a goth band.
by Lomia March 17, 2006
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A style of clothing and music. That's it.
I honestly wish that I could write an 'elaborate rant' on the "true meaning" of the gothic subculture, but I can't because there IS no true meaning.
by Pragmatic Realist September 29, 2007
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1. A member of a Germanic people who invaded the Roman Empire in the early centuries of the Christian era.

2. (a) A style of rock music that often evokes bleak, lugubrious imagery.
(b) A performer or follower of this style of music.

3. An invdividual who either enjoys the darker interests and enjoyments of life or is captivated by those who do. These individuals are artistic, intelligent, curious, and often surprising when it comes to such things as careers or pasttimes. In fact, the only reason that they come off "scary" or "creepy" at all is because society shuns and fears what they do not understand. Most 'goths' interviewed simply stated that the reason they have such a low-down attitude and enjoy creeping people out is because they've been outcasted. Indeed, hundreds of teens/young adults enter such a lifestyle because they were shunned, misunderstood, hated, kicked around, or even just misplaced, meaning they couldn't fit in any other stereotype.

4. Just another all-American title for better labeling and little understanding... Typical humans not thinking.
1. The young woman from Rome was tortured and beheaded by the Goths.

2. "What's her favorite music?" "Oh... Death Metal, hard rock... all that goth stuff."

3. "You're gothic?" "No... I'm Bill."

4. "Look at those goths around the street... they're as bad as punks!"
by Jeelander February 24, 2006
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