Goth is first and foremost a person who listens to certain types of music and dresses the part. The music includes deathrock, batcave, certain postpunk, certain non-electronic darkwave and other music that is goth. The person dresses the part by wearing makeup either all black clothes or deathrock-style, which can include colorful mohawks, painted leather jackets, colorful ripped t-shirts and fishnets. Real goths always wear makeup to the club, and often daily, no matter what their gender is, otherwise they look like posers.
-----------------------------------
Goth is not merely a person who embraces "the darkness" or "everything dark". Their makeup, style, dance moves and music choices make or not make them goth--don't confuse "goth" with "gothic". "Gothic" can be applied to many different people who aren't goth and denotes a person or trend that borrows from Goth, that is "into things dark" but is not goth. Example would be a person who occasionally listens to goth music (but to a lot of other kinds too), who likes BDSM and goes to all kinds of "dark" clubs, not caring too much what to dance for, basically, looking "goth" only when they go out. Gothic is a dark streak that is not to be confused with real Goth. People who prefer "gothic" music that is not Goth, can be called different ways: darkwavers, rivetheads (who love industrial scene/music), moshers, metalheads, etc. Fetish scene is not to be confused with Goth scene: they have very little in common. Goth has a lot of fetish elements in clothing style and many from fetish crowd attend goth clubs on occasion, but that's where the resemblance ends. "Vampires" aren't Goth either; Goths like to play with vampire theme quite rarely, but those who think they're vampires, who wear white contacts, fangs, or paint blood on their faces aren't Goth at all.
--------------------------------------
Goth has a very strong androgyny element: It is common for Goth males to wear traditionally female elements of clothes/makeup to the clubs. Deathrocker Goth females also prefer androgynous styles, and dress hardly any different from deathrocker males. Truly Goth dancing is characterized by original, assymetric and often a-rythmical moves, cat-like stepping, wavy arm movements. Goths never bare too much of their body; if they do, they belong to a different scene, but depending on gender (example would be: girl wearing a bra instead of a top to the club or showing garter and stockings isn't Goth, a guy wearing mini-skirt to the club and showing stockings and garter looks Goth).
-------------------------------------
Goth is about extreme individualism, yet, it's about belonging to a group and fitting in, at the same time, paradoxically. Goth is about looking at things, at human nature--and oneself with extreme honesty and accepting what mainstream culture doesn't accept--death, melancholy, decay. Like Mike Mercer had put it Goth is about ultimate dignity. Goth hates the mainstream culture, real Goth doesn't watch television. Goths like to shop in thrift stores or specialized Gothic stores, they also have tendency to make their own clothes and jewelry and be creative about their outfits and makeup.
Favorite Goth boots are very pointy ones with buckles, though army-style boots (with include Docs) are also acceptable, as well as platform boots. Layered torn fishnet and sheer tights worn over the arms and legs and Victorian clothes are old time favorites. Modern goths wear more PVC/vinyl clothes than before, which includes tight pants, dresses, corsets and long skirts made of PVC. Black nailpolish is very popular and is worn by males and females, both.
--------------------------------------
People who claim that Goth is only about "mindset" and "lifestyle" versus the look aren't goth: real Goth takes great care of their looks and alway strives to look beautiful and goth. Dark beauty is something that is at the core of the Goth--beauty of art, or appearance and of melancholic mind. Each real Goth is an art piece, essentially, as a person is being creative about their look.
Of course, those goths who're stuck in only one way and criticize new style developments lose creativity.
-----------------------------------
Goth is not merely a person who embraces "the darkness" or "everything dark". Their makeup, style, dance moves and music choices make or not make them goth--don't confuse "goth" with "gothic". "Gothic" can be applied to many different people who aren't goth and denotes a person or trend that borrows from Goth, that is "into things dark" but is not goth. Example would be a person who occasionally listens to goth music (but to a lot of other kinds too), who likes BDSM and goes to all kinds of "dark" clubs, not caring too much what to dance for, basically, looking "goth" only when they go out. Gothic is a dark streak that is not to be confused with real Goth. People who prefer "gothic" music that is not Goth, can be called different ways: darkwavers, rivetheads (who love industrial scene/music), moshers, metalheads, etc. Fetish scene is not to be confused with Goth scene: they have very little in common. Goth has a lot of fetish elements in clothing style and many from fetish crowd attend goth clubs on occasion, but that's where the resemblance ends. "Vampires" aren't Goth either; Goths like to play with vampire theme quite rarely, but those who think they're vampires, who wear white contacts, fangs, or paint blood on their faces aren't Goth at all.
--------------------------------------
Goth has a very strong androgyny element: It is common for Goth males to wear traditionally female elements of clothes/makeup to the clubs. Deathrocker Goth females also prefer androgynous styles, and dress hardly any different from deathrocker males. Truly Goth dancing is characterized by original, assymetric and often a-rythmical moves, cat-like stepping, wavy arm movements. Goths never bare too much of their body; if they do, they belong to a different scene, but depending on gender (example would be: girl wearing a bra instead of a top to the club or showing garter and stockings isn't Goth, a guy wearing mini-skirt to the club and showing stockings and garter looks Goth).
-------------------------------------
Goth is about extreme individualism, yet, it's about belonging to a group and fitting in, at the same time, paradoxically. Goth is about looking at things, at human nature--and oneself with extreme honesty and accepting what mainstream culture doesn't accept--death, melancholy, decay. Like Mike Mercer had put it Goth is about ultimate dignity. Goth hates the mainstream culture, real Goth doesn't watch television. Goths like to shop in thrift stores or specialized Gothic stores, they also have tendency to make their own clothes and jewelry and be creative about their outfits and makeup.
Favorite Goth boots are very pointy ones with buckles, though army-style boots (with include Docs) are also acceptable, as well as platform boots. Layered torn fishnet and sheer tights worn over the arms and legs and Victorian clothes are old time favorites. Modern goths wear more PVC/vinyl clothes than before, which includes tight pants, dresses, corsets and long skirts made of PVC. Black nailpolish is very popular and is worn by males and females, both.
--------------------------------------
People who claim that Goth is only about "mindset" and "lifestyle" versus the look aren't goth: real Goth takes great care of their looks and alway strives to look beautiful and goth. Dark beauty is something that is at the core of the Goth--beauty of art, or appearance and of melancholic mind. Each real Goth is an art piece, essentially, as a person is being creative about their look.
Of course, those goths who're stuck in only one way and criticize new style developments lose creativity.
Gothic person: "There's a new goth club that plays emb, goth, synthpop, darkwave and industrial!"
Goth: "This is not a goth club"
Goth: "This is not a goth club"
by nosferatu_xx January 11, 2008
Get the gothmug. An especially gloomy offshoot of the punk movement, slowing down and adding keyboards and more danceable drumming. Although primarily an 80's movement as music, the fashion sense has frequently been ripped off by young metal fans and artists (ala. marilyn Manson, Korn, etc.) creating a new subculture calling themselves goths. fairly large remnant goth scene continues to thrive among slightly older individuals in clubs and cities around the globe.
by PostPunk April 17, 2003
Get the gothmug. A very unique, though generally dark, style that should not be labeled by rights. However, society loves to label goth as a general term for people who wear: a lot of black, seem withdrawn a lot in public, wear heavy metal shirts, wear dark make-up, and are actually talented at subjects on the creative side, like writing.
It's not about how many chains one can wear, it's about overall thought, acceptance, and certain tastes. For example, you can't be seen as gothic walking around in a polo from American Eagle. But, the limits of dark colored clothing and "dark" accesories range in variety and it's up to the individual. KEYWORD: Inidivdual
Gothic music ranges in genres like darkwave, industrial, trance, techo, electronica, heavy metal, alternative rock, and so on and so forth. The music is generally solemn sounding, in some way, and very creative.
The places to easily find "gothic" clothing would be Hot Topic or Spencer's. Also, check out local thrift stores or online sites.
Above all, it's about being yourself and living outside that margin so many people feel almost too comfortable within. "Goths" are not mean.
It's not about how many chains one can wear, it's about overall thought, acceptance, and certain tastes. For example, you can't be seen as gothic walking around in a polo from American Eagle. But, the limits of dark colored clothing and "dark" accesories range in variety and it's up to the individual. KEYWORD: Inidivdual
Gothic music ranges in genres like darkwave, industrial, trance, techo, electronica, heavy metal, alternative rock, and so on and so forth. The music is generally solemn sounding, in some way, and very creative.
The places to easily find "gothic" clothing would be Hot Topic or Spencer's. Also, check out local thrift stores or online sites.
Above all, it's about being yourself and living outside that margin so many people feel almost too comfortable within. "Goths" are not mean.
Stuck up person: Look at them, they wear a lot of black and look depressed, so they must worship Satan along with that creepy Marilyn Manson dude. Wow, let's stay away from those scary freaks. They're goth
by BleedingTorment October 17, 2006
Get the gothmug. goth is a subculture that grew out of the punk culture in the 80s.
i will agree with non-goths in that most goths are very evasive when it comes to defining the term "goth." i will also agree with them in that "goths" who simply whine and make fun of non-"goths" are pricks. most "goths" don't really know what it means to be goth.
the gothic period (late 1700s-1800s) was a period of the "sublime." rather than look for skin deep beauty in something, the gothics would look for intellectual or moral value. for example, they would prefer a battered old castle staircase to a sparkling new marble staircase because the old one has more character.
the TRUE goths of today are named this way because they follow this thought pattern of looking for the thought-provoking instead of the aesthetic. why revel in the darker side of life? "sinister" things (i.e., death, fate) provide more food for thought than pretty things (i.e., blue skies, love).
thinking in this rather morbid way usually results in the true goth being rather satirical. SOMETIMES they may be withdrawn and maybe a little snide, but this is because knowledge is a burden.
the pseudo-goth (the one everyone thinks of when they hear "goth"; bear in mind, i do NOT consider these people goth) is some middle school douche who shops at hot topic and listens to music in the gothic genre (i.e., bauhaus) whether or not they actually like the music. they are quick to judge people and make fun of them every chance they get.
then theres the TRUE goth (like me). we think in the manner of the people of the aforementioned gothic period. some of us are "artsy" simply because we can express our knowledge so freely in it. we don't *neccessarily* shop at hot topic (though they have some cool shirts) and we don't *neccessarily* listen to goth music/death metal (i like pink floyd & queen). we are intellectuals.
most of us are pretty nice. many goths are outcasts in some perspective, so they are often receptive to people who need a friend.
i will agree with non-goths in that most goths are very evasive when it comes to defining the term "goth." i will also agree with them in that "goths" who simply whine and make fun of non-"goths" are pricks. most "goths" don't really know what it means to be goth.
the gothic period (late 1700s-1800s) was a period of the "sublime." rather than look for skin deep beauty in something, the gothics would look for intellectual or moral value. for example, they would prefer a battered old castle staircase to a sparkling new marble staircase because the old one has more character.
the TRUE goths of today are named this way because they follow this thought pattern of looking for the thought-provoking instead of the aesthetic. why revel in the darker side of life? "sinister" things (i.e., death, fate) provide more food for thought than pretty things (i.e., blue skies, love).
thinking in this rather morbid way usually results in the true goth being rather satirical. SOMETIMES they may be withdrawn and maybe a little snide, but this is because knowledge is a burden.
the pseudo-goth (the one everyone thinks of when they hear "goth"; bear in mind, i do NOT consider these people goth) is some middle school douche who shops at hot topic and listens to music in the gothic genre (i.e., bauhaus) whether or not they actually like the music. they are quick to judge people and make fun of them every chance they get.
then theres the TRUE goth (like me). we think in the manner of the people of the aforementioned gothic period. some of us are "artsy" simply because we can express our knowledge so freely in it. we don't *neccessarily* shop at hot topic (though they have some cool shirts) and we don't *neccessarily* listen to goth music/death metal (i like pink floyd & queen). we are intellectuals.
most of us are pretty nice. many goths are outcasts in some perspective, so they are often receptive to people who need a friend.
fake goth (aka valley girl goth): like, oh my goth, gag me with a crucifix! i got this bauhaus shirt because ellen and julia and megan and paula have it! i'm so individual! i wish i knew what bauhaus was...
real goth (like me): ...style doesn't make a goth; your thought process is most important
real goth (like me): ...style doesn't make a goth; your thought process is most important
by unusu-al October 3, 2004
Get the gothmug. 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)
by Ike Furam May 17, 2009
Get the Gothmug. A movement that arose from the death of Punk in the 1980's and embraces creativity, individuality, and exploring the more morbid side of things.
Goth has been totally eclipsed by emo these days and the two are, atrociously, often confused, though they are nothing alike: goths are somber and intelligent with a flair for the artistic, while emos are skinny-ass teenagers who do nothing but bitch about their lives.
Goth has been totally eclipsed by emo these days and the two are, atrociously, often confused, though they are nothing alike: goths are somber and intelligent with a flair for the artistic, while emos are skinny-ass teenagers who do nothing but bitch about their lives.
by Schada November 7, 2007
Get the gothmug. 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
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 19, 2008
Get the Gothmug.