Instagram Goth

A "Goth" girl, usually between the ages of 20-23. These girls call themselves Goth, but do not listen to the music, or even acknowledge that Goth is a music-based subculture. They are usually metalheads, and think that listening to black metal, slam, and deathcore will make them considered more "Goth" by their followers. They throw around the word "elitist" like crazy. They argue that normal people do not respect Goths, but they themselves do not respect and appreciate how the Goth subculture originated.
I had to explain who Peter Murphy was to an Instagram Goth once.
by Wrecking Yard December 27, 2018
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Winter goth

A person who dresses goth, but only in cool weather.
Person one: Hey, why's she dressed all preppy? I thought she was a goth.
Person two: Nah, she's just a winter goth.
by burgundyribbon September 14, 2009
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Goth rock

Goth rock is a sub-genre of post punk music which originated in the UK in the late 70s (specifically 1979).

The first goth song is said to be "Bela Lugosi's Dead" by Bauhaus because even though the song was supposed to be written tongue-in-cheek, the band performed it with naive seriousness and the audience understood it with seriousness.

Goth rock characteristics include a 4 / 4 post punk beat, a drum machine, baritone vocals (common in men, like Peter Murphy of Bauhaus and Andrew Eldritch of The Sisters of Mercy), flanging guitar used for atmosphere and a prominent bassline. Some goth bands use characteristics of tribal music in their work, too (see: Southern Death Cult and Stairs - Uncertain Journey by Christian Death).

Contrary to belief, goth has not "evolved" and throughout the decades, the sound has relatively stayed the same. However, other dark or spooky genres and bands have cropped up throughout those decades which commonly get called "goth". This is false as goth only specifically refers to bands within that genre, not any band that uses a "dark" image or "spooky" lyrical themes.

Bands like Marilyn Manson and EBM bands like God Module are commonly mistaken for "Goth" when they're part of different genres.

The sound for all three of these groups are completely different, therefore could not be considered to be part of the same genre.
It is common for a goth to listen to goth rock, darkwave, deathrock and post punk but they can enjoy genres like metal (symphonic and Gothic in particular), industrial, EBM and synth pop too, just as long as they realise that the latter list are not goth genres.
by DeadDeathrocker April 18, 2017
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sunshine goth

Someone who loves all things goth on the inside but expels happiness and brightness
Wow that girl is so sunshine goth, she loves creepy, dark things but always talks about spreading love and happiness
by Sunshine-goth95 September 24, 2019
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Glam Goth

A glam goth is a person who combines current goth styles with high street fashion. They switch baggy bondage trousers for high waisted leather shorts, and ripped tops for black sequined tops. They may still wear goth boots, or simply high heels. There dominant colour is still black, but they add a little sparkle to it.
People like-Dita Von teese may come under glam goth
But glam goth mainly covers people such as the rotley crue.
Goth: She's not a goth
Glam: She's not glam
Goth: what is she?
Glam: i think they call them..glam goths?
Goth: pshh as if that can ever happen
Glam Goth: shut up, i've seen Marilyn Manson, cradle of filth and nightwish live
Goth: :O
Glam: Yep..glam goths can happen
by Jmary October 19, 2010
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mall goth

An individual calling themself "goth"/"gothic" that ,in actuality, is not involved in the subculture.
They listen to overhyped nu-metal/emo bands that they like for the simple fact that they believe it will make them 'cool',or more 'gothic'.
Usually between the ages of 12-17, they have a very blatant fashion sense; commonly wearing baggy, black pants with chains draped from them, spiked wristbands/collars, beanies, and especially Slipknot, HIM, or Korn tees.
Their chief source of fashion is Hot Topic (owned by Abercrombie & Fitch)
Some will don a depressed visage, never smile or speak, and others will don a moody, angry tone.
None of these 'goths' are generally 'gothic' at all. None of these people understand the origins, roots, or influences of the subculture, nor would they likely to be interested in any of its true aspects.
"You're indefinitely not involved in the gothic subculture; you would appear to be a mall goth."
"My friend only listens to HIM and Slipknot, and pretends to be depressed all the time; he's a mall goth."
by Draconysius April 25, 2006
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pop goth

A particular group of people that only dress and act gothic when it's popular to do so. Hot Topic goes through certain "phases" in their merchandising. Sometimes they cater to the punk kids. Sometimes they cater to the emo kids. And sometimes they cater to the goth kids. But the goth kids I make reference to are not bona-fide goth kids. They are only goth kids when it's their turn at Hot Topic. But when their turn ends and Hot Topic turns emo once again (they never cater to the metalheads, Hot Topic metal is trash) they may in fact be normal kids. dressing in normal clothes and acting like normal kids act.
"I liked Nightmare Before Christmas a lot more before the pop goths at Hot Topic wore it out and ruined it."
by Dave June 19, 2006
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