Used to describe a form of art or the genre of music that portrays the darker aspects of the world, usually with imagery. Also used to describe fans of this genre. Unlike conventional punk and metal, gothic music usually has vocals which flow steadily. Most do not make direct reference to death but rather describe the beauty and elegance of things decaying, twisted and dark. Some gothic bands may make anti-christian themes but the lack of such anti-religious themes do not define goth.
The gargoyle stautes of the ancient Roman cities.
Popular artists and bands of goth music include "the cure" and "evanesence"...
Popular artists and bands of goth music include "the cure" and "evanesence"...
by frost_pick May 21, 2005
Let me state a few facts first, beginning with self-experience. I've started developing into the whole goth lifestyle back in late '04, starting out by wearing black. I wasn't into the whole Marilyn Manson or Linkin Park bullshit at that time, because I knew they weren't goth bands. After the whole black clothings, I started getting into goth rock(ex: Bauhaus, Lacuna Coil, Moonspell, HIM, The 69 Eyes). Then afterwards, other sets of metal was what I started listening to as well(excluding Nu-Metal). At first, I thought that I was never going to change my image. But that obviously wasn't true.
However, the goths of what I saw, were different from the goths of today. The goths back then were there to live life on the "darker" sides of things, meaning that they would abolish of whatever that is related to the mainstream. Those who were different. Those who were unique. Those who had their own style in clothings, words, and what not. The whole "goth" scene developed from a germanic/barbaric tribe that invaded the Roman Empire. The first kind of goths were known as the "visigoths", or aka The Noble Ones. They sacked the Roman Empire, otherwise known as the "mainstream" of that time.. so I'm pretty sure you can compare that to the gothic scene of my time.
Then suddenly, the whole goth scene started to evolve ONCE again. Kids are now transforming the scene into a trend, buying merchandise after merchandise, giving the impression as if they're buying candy from a store. They worship sellout stores such as hot topic, and claim to be "different".. but yet, they all dress the same, act the same, have the same desire of wanting to be "different", and considering themselves "rebellious teens". The thing is, these morons don't know that shit such as Hot Topic or MTV are nothing but a bunch of sellout brainwashing companies. Why do you think they charge such a ridiculous and pointless amount of money for merchandise? It's simple. They're trying to make money by selling out merchandises. And these "rebelious" goths are following them.
So basically, if you really want to be unique, different, rebellious, or what not.. the only thing you would really need to do is to be yourself, because that's one of the unique traits that most people don't possess nowadays.
Do I still listen to goth rock? Of course. Do I still listen to black/death/thrash/speed metal? Definitely. Do I still dress in black? Yes, more than often. Do I go around acting rebellious by wearing eyeliner and painting my nails black, and prancing around graveyards and worship Marilyn Manson for a living? FUCK NO.
However, the goths of what I saw, were different from the goths of today. The goths back then were there to live life on the "darker" sides of things, meaning that they would abolish of whatever that is related to the mainstream. Those who were different. Those who were unique. Those who had their own style in clothings, words, and what not. The whole "goth" scene developed from a germanic/barbaric tribe that invaded the Roman Empire. The first kind of goths were known as the "visigoths", or aka The Noble Ones. They sacked the Roman Empire, otherwise known as the "mainstream" of that time.. so I'm pretty sure you can compare that to the gothic scene of my time.
Then suddenly, the whole goth scene started to evolve ONCE again. Kids are now transforming the scene into a trend, buying merchandise after merchandise, giving the impression as if they're buying candy from a store. They worship sellout stores such as hot topic, and claim to be "different".. but yet, they all dress the same, act the same, have the same desire of wanting to be "different", and considering themselves "rebellious teens". The thing is, these morons don't know that shit such as Hot Topic or MTV are nothing but a bunch of sellout brainwashing companies. Why do you think they charge such a ridiculous and pointless amount of money for merchandise? It's simple. They're trying to make money by selling out merchandises. And these "rebelious" goths are following them.
So basically, if you really want to be unique, different, rebellious, or what not.. the only thing you would really need to do is to be yourself, because that's one of the unique traits that most people don't possess nowadays.
Do I still listen to goth rock? Of course. Do I still listen to black/death/thrash/speed metal? Definitely. Do I still dress in black? Yes, more than often. Do I go around acting rebellious by wearing eyeliner and painting my nails black, and prancing around graveyards and worship Marilyn Manson for a living? FUCK NO.
retarded teen angst goth kid: dude... I'm like... so different from those Britney Spears loving conformists.... and I hate society... and that makes me rebellious and different...
me: no dude, hating society doesn't make you a "rebel", it makes you a douche bag.
RTAGK: well you're just a dumb conformist, that's all. try living in my shoes, then you'll see how much I have to suffer.
me: go shove a tube down your throat, pour oil on the tip, and flare a matchstick and light it on fire, you goth-cut-yourself-kid. why don't you try living in a third world country, then you'll understand the true meaning of "suffer". Just knowing your presence disgusts me, you imbred cunt.
me: no dude, hating society doesn't make you a "rebel", it makes you a douche bag.
RTAGK: well you're just a dumb conformist, that's all. try living in my shoes, then you'll see how much I have to suffer.
me: go shove a tube down your throat, pour oil on the tip, and flare a matchstick and light it on fire, you goth-cut-yourself-kid. why don't you try living in a third world country, then you'll understand the true meaning of "suffer". Just knowing your presence disgusts me, you imbred cunt.
by hatchetwarrior4life December 22, 2006
The punk subculture formed in the early 80s. Not to be confused with the Germanic tribes. Creative, intelligent, interesting people who share similar ideas, likes and dislikes. One cannot classify 'goth' in one way...there are many types of goth. Usually thought of as being depressed, mentally ill, social outcasts with nothing on there minds but pain, death and world destruction(which is not always true) I am considered a 'goth' I do usually wear all black but I do so not because I want to be popular but because it is comfortable to me...and not everyone who wears all black are goths and not all goths wear all black...I wear red and grey and other colors.
by insanitywithacause December 19, 2003
A label society uses to stereotype people who the public in general tend to consider "bad," or "scary."
"Goth" people are the type that many will go out of their way to avoid.
I can't speak for others who have been labelled, but many have refferred to me as "Goth." Presumably because I choose to wear black most of the time. usually with a trenchcoat. I have read many of the other definitions on here, and I can't say what is wright and what is wrong. This is simply the only stereotype I have been accused of being a part of. Personally I spent approximately 12 years with strong suicidal desires, later being diagnosed with bi-polar. The only really apparent aspects of my personality that I noticed which differ from "Normal," are my preference for black clothing, and I tend to stay back and speak less. Personally I consider stereotypes a lame attempt some people or groups make to attempt to seem "better" than others.
The most irritating part of this aspect of society to me, is when I meet people who suddenly decide to wear black and act depressed.
I have no problem with anyone wearing anything else, I merely get irritated when people try to be something they aren't. Especially when people talk about being suicidal and have no idea the struggle I go through on a regular basis simply to keep a desire to live. It's not pleasant, you don't want it, quit trying.
I have never met another person who has serious issues with being suicidal and has just decided to announce it. I certainly prefer to have nobody know.
"Goth" people are the type that many will go out of their way to avoid.
I can't speak for others who have been labelled, but many have refferred to me as "Goth." Presumably because I choose to wear black most of the time. usually with a trenchcoat. I have read many of the other definitions on here, and I can't say what is wright and what is wrong. This is simply the only stereotype I have been accused of being a part of. Personally I spent approximately 12 years with strong suicidal desires, later being diagnosed with bi-polar. The only really apparent aspects of my personality that I noticed which differ from "Normal," are my preference for black clothing, and I tend to stay back and speak less. Personally I consider stereotypes a lame attempt some people or groups make to attempt to seem "better" than others.
The most irritating part of this aspect of society to me, is when I meet people who suddenly decide to wear black and act depressed.
I have no problem with anyone wearing anything else, I merely get irritated when people try to be something they aren't. Especially when people talk about being suicidal and have no idea the struggle I go through on a regular basis simply to keep a desire to live. It's not pleasant, you don't want it, quit trying.
I have never met another person who has serious issues with being suicidal and has just decided to announce it. I certainly prefer to have nobody know.
"ooh, look at me, I must be cool now because I decided to wear black and tell everyone how much life sucks, I'm such a goth, you guys all are just posers blah blah blah, wanna go but something depressing with me?"
by L. N. - DravenLives at myspace. June 11, 2007
State of mind, with no regret of being ones own person. One who doesn't strive to be a clone of everyone else. Someone with there own mind set, not willing to change a belief because of anyone but themselves. They don't go out of there way to become someones friend but is a good one if u know one. Not always the nicest, can become pissed off very easily if annoyed but an ignorant asshole.
Foamy-"Goth is not a fashion statement just like punk."
Person 1-"Dude that kid is Goth."
Person 2-"No that kid is emo, Goths can't just go buy a couple things at Hot Topic and be a Goth."
Person 1-"Oh yeah, well that make sense."
Person 1-"Dude that kid is Goth."
Person 2-"No that kid is emo, Goths can't just go buy a couple things at Hot Topic and be a Goth."
Person 1-"Oh yeah, well that make sense."
by jewsion666 July 16, 2010
A subculture and music genre which originated out of the British post-punk scene in the late 70s / early 80s with bands like Bauhaus, Siouxsie and the Banshees and then later, The Sisters of Mercy.
Goth is a music based subculture and while there are other aspects and customs to what makes the subculture, the most important is listening to and supporting the music in your scene (going to shows, buying merch and albums). This, of course, does not mean you CAN'T listen to other bands and artists outside the goth genre. Goth genres include goth rock, post punk, darkwave and deathrock.
Goth fashion comes from the Batcave (infamous night club where the subculture was born) and the musicians who wore this type of fashion. (See: Siouxsie Sioux's eye make up, Patricia Morrisons long black hair and red nails and Jonny Slut's deathhawk.) It's commonly worn by members of the goth subculture because the fans tried dress similarly, but never the same. This is the same as any fans dressing like their idols, and is where the element of DIY came into the scene.
The American version of goth is "deathrock" which is a spooky and atmospheric sub-genre of punk rock.
Goth is a music based subculture and while there are other aspects and customs to what makes the subculture, the most important is listening to and supporting the music in your scene (going to shows, buying merch and albums). This, of course, does not mean you CAN'T listen to other bands and artists outside the goth genre. Goth genres include goth rock, post punk, darkwave and deathrock.
Goth fashion comes from the Batcave (infamous night club where the subculture was born) and the musicians who wore this type of fashion. (See: Siouxsie Sioux's eye make up, Patricia Morrisons long black hair and red nails and Jonny Slut's deathhawk.) It's commonly worn by members of the goth subculture because the fans tried dress similarly, but never the same. This is the same as any fans dressing like their idols, and is where the element of DIY came into the scene.
The American version of goth is "deathrock" which is a spooky and atmospheric sub-genre of punk rock.
A goth is most likely into Bauhaus and Siouxsie and the Banshees but not all goth is from the 80s, you can get some good goth bands from the 1990s and 2010s too.
by DeadDeathrocker April 17, 2017
Genre of music which has evolved into a stereotypical dress style.
People often labeled as goth are infact just rejects from other social groups, real goths listen to darkwave, post-punk, proper goth rock, and a slew of other dark genres. Fake goths listen to metal/screamo. Real goths wear anything they want, fake goths wear black because its "goth". Real goths have friends from all backgrounds, social groups etc, fake goths limit themselves to other humiliatingly fake goths.
People often labeled as goth are infact just rejects from other social groups, real goths listen to darkwave, post-punk, proper goth rock, and a slew of other dark genres. Fake goths listen to metal/screamo. Real goths wear anything they want, fake goths wear black because its "goth". Real goths have friends from all backgrounds, social groups etc, fake goths limit themselves to other humiliatingly fake goths.
Normal guy: So you listen to screamo metal huh?
Goth: No I listen to darkwave.
Normal guy: That like screamo or something huh?
Goth: No its like synth-pop with dark lyrics.
Goth: No I listen to darkwave.
Normal guy: That like screamo or something huh?
Goth: No its like synth-pop with dark lyrics.
by Auraomega October 7, 2009