Ok, here's my definition...
Someone who is not affraid to be different, listens to rock style music (usually metal, gothic rock, goth punk, alternative etc) and does not wish to be popular. They have creative talents and are usualy completely missunderstood.

Having trawled through the other definitions on this site, i have found things which i dissagree with. Just because someone labels themself goth, does not mean that they are a fake, or a posser. If someone wears black nail polish eyeliner etc, this also does not make them posser goth. It just means that that is how they wish to look and this is what goth means to them.

Also, music is something which we can debate. a goth can listen to any band they like, you cannot say that because someone who calls themself a goth, listens to manson, then they are not a "real" goth, thats stupid. manson is a goth. the whole band are goths. so, therefore, a goth band. other bands like HIM, have been debated. HIM are a goth band, no matter what you say. Ville Valo is a goth. He writes gothic lyrics. All of the songs are of a gothic style. again, a goth band, which ever way you look at them. Deathstars are a personal favorite of mine, they are also goth. ofcourse, having said that a goth can listen to any music, i do need to contradict myself. a goth that listens to r and b would be just damn riddiculous.
OK, examples. A goth is someone who may or may not be partial to wearing black clothing but most often they do. listen to music of a rock genre (music does seem to have the biggest effects on who or what you are labeled as). they are not usually popular as this is not a neccesity to them. They are their own person, nobody elses.

Small minded person: You're not a goth, you listen to HIM

Goth: HIM are a goth band

Small minded person: No they're not

Goth: Why not???

Small minded person: Erm... cos thats what my friends say?

Goth: you're friends are stupid

by Ville_Is_My_God July 26, 2006
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goths are not allways alone in the dark
a lot of em have loadssss of mates and allways having a gd time
but the worst thing is when they go onto the street peeps think there s.h.i.t but there exactly the same they just dnt beleive in wot we beleive and they dress in there type of clothes
~gothic person walks out onto the street~
`oi u idiot` <<<<chav shouts that
~gothic person gets a bit scared cause therez one of them and 10 chavs~
~chavs shout lots of abuse to the goth~
NOT FAIR
by *holly* March 23, 2005
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goth:
a teen, often found in dark, elegant unique clothing
two goths are rarely the same.
stereo types of goths
moody;
goths come across as moody as the only people they will talk ot are the ones worth talking to.
they are often articulate, and are either extreamly intelligent, or extreamly creative and excel in their feild of speciality.
suicidal/depression/disorders:
most goths have a trait of depression, thus its only due to them knowing the world better than others and seeing it for how it is.
disorders can affect anyone at any time, but goths tend to show a paticularly good insight to what might be their problem and can often overcome it on their own.
goth:
a goth will most likely tell you she/he is NOT a goth, or that they supposedly fit into that label.
they are extreamly annoyed by the young teens trying to be goths and so on, and anyone who dosnt seem able of having their own identity. they tend to stay out of large groups and despise social circles, as they find the huge hype over nothing incredibly agravating.
though, to most people, the things a goth will talk about somtimes is nonsence and jsut a random subject, though it sounds like its not.
eg
go to camden market in london
its full of goths
by paris valentine September 11, 2005
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Goth is a subculture existing both on and offline. It consists of people of all ages, nationalities, races, religions, and sexualities. Inside the subculture a many differant categories some of the main ones I list below. Though no one is completely in just one category.

Baby Goth - Typically a newbie to the gothic subculture. These goths tend to believe the only way to be goth is with black lips, black nails, a paper white face, and excessive eye liner.

Glitter Goth - The more colorfull side of the subculture. Glitter Goths are known for their bright colors and hair extensions. Glitter goths are typically the life of any party. Popular glitter goth colors are bright yellow, electric blue, and hot pink.

Classical Goth - These Goths enjoy dressing up in medieval clothing. These goths are especially known for their sewing skills.

Blue Jean Goth - This is the low budjet goth. The majority of this goths closet consists of jeans and t-shirts. These goths can get very inventive in their clothing alterations.

There are many more but I think I'll stop here.

Extra trivia:

Popular music for goths: gothic, new age, techno, hard rock, metal

Popular colors: black, dark reds, dark blues, silver, white.
Wow! Look at all the glitter goths!

That baby goth has watched the crow too many times.
by Romani January 10, 2005
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In reference to the subculture;
A term that has been thrown around so much these days, who knows what it actually means. I know that, it seems to be defined by the music you listen to... which I think, personally, is ridiculous. Even some of the the open minded people who say they are goth assume that all fans of slipknot and manson are posers, and think that they're badass because they listen to that music. Well, here's a newsflash- goths can wear tons of different styles of clothes and listen to different styles of music. Just because someone listens to Slipknot or Marilyn Manson doesn't mean they are poser. There are a lot of types of goths, and suggesting music defines the person is just stupid and close-minded. So, instead of listening to all these people saying "goths are depressed, suicidal satanists (which, btw, isnt the evil religion people make it out to be o.O)" ALONG with "all people who like slipknot and manson are posers who think theyre goths and are just trying to be 'cool'", why don't you listen to me and the other people with brains out there who know that "goth" doesn't rely on music or religion or anything like that.
(shortened version: a subculture that ISN'T just about wearing black nail polish and listening to certain music and its hard to define it, because theyre all so different.)
Music doesn't make the goth.
by vaela March 8, 2005
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Whoever started talking of the Goths was going way off topic, Goths and goths are two different things. The Goths were a Germanic tribe, goths (gothic sub culture)are people who mainly dress in black and wear stark black and white make-up to make themselves look more mysterious and dark (kinda goes with the theme/the person's interests). They usually associate with Gothic Rock music, but also have interests in Wicca, Pagan etc. There are types of goth whether you like it or not, Traditional/classic, Modern, Romantic, Net (a trivial one)etc. It obviously depends on your interests and gothic is a way of expressing yourself, you can be your own person and 'customize' gothic to suit yourself.It IS label that others may call you if you associate with the examples above, you should not be offened by it, it is NOT an insult, neither does it mean alot so let them say it. You are You essentially, I wouldn't ever try to live up to a label.
Music: Siters of Mercy, Bauhaus, The 69 Eyes, HIM (well, I like them anyway) these are the most popular, but it depends on individual style. I personally hate Cradle of Filth, just not my thing.

*this does not for a moment think that you should immediatley dump those Old Good Charlotte or Greeday, or whatever other music OUTSIDE the gothic rock catergory it is you like also.
'The Rasmus are not goth'-a typical 'more goth than thou' comment, who cares if they are or are not, they good musicians, that's all that matters really. Plus theire lyrics are dark and myserious and I like them.

Interests: art (creative), literature (gothic, eg: Woman in White, Dracula, MUSIC, pagan, wicca, sewing etc...
by ~Sorrow~ February 4, 2005
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Goths tend to have a dark and perverse sense of humor, a love of history, literature, and music, and far too many bottles of black nail polish. But trying to slot goths into orderly little sections is pretty much impossible. The spectrum of interests, styles, and activities is far too broad. Sometimes the clothes can be a clue, but not always. Just look for that appreciation of darkness--that's the most reliable indicator.



The "classic" goth music scene and the industrial music scene, there are people on both sides who shun the other. Some goths who like the "classic" look of velvet and lace look down upon goths who prefer fishnet and leather. Some goths who like pop-culture entertainments and things that are lighthearted are ostracized by others who believe that nothing is worthwhile unless it is obscure and dark. Like any culture, it has divisions and cliques.



Being goth is, in the end, a form of tribalism, a way for people of like interests and mindset to find each other and have a place to belong. Like most tribes, goths will often try to keep out those who are not "of" the tribe (hence the pretentiousness and disdain for "poseurs"). But it can also be a wonderfully welcoming and comfortable place for those who do fit in, and full of patience and enthusiasm for people who are genuinely interested in finding out what we're about. Goths will try to keep out those who don't belong, and those who are interested in exploiting us because we look different and have interests outside the mainstram; but we will also try to protect our own. For someone who doesn't feel that they really "fit in" with mainstream culture, discovering gothdom can be a wonderful feeling.

However, the term "goth" does NOT refer to the Arcetectural or Literature movement. The proper term for this would actually be gothic (def. 2). Said term does not generally encompas the subculture, but may, in select minds.
"Goths are not really that terribly different from any other subculture. they just dress more imaginatively"
by Forsaken March 21, 2005
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