Goth: What is It?

We’ve all heard the term “goth”, but do we really know what it means? Originally, the word “Goth” described a Germanic tribe which invaded Rome. “The Goths” were regarded as barbaric and uncultured. The term was later applied to a style of medieval architecture, Gothic architecture, because some critics believed that the designs were uncultured. There is even a body of literature, the works of Edgar Allen Poe, for example, that might be termed “Gothic”.

The more recent “goth” movement was a subclass of punk rock, which emerged as an alternative subculture in the 1980s. The term “goth” was first applied to music in 1979. Fans were called “Goths” or “Gothic Punks”.

Goth is a style of music and fashion. Goths tend to dye their hair black, and wear black clothing. Clothing might be ripped. Some goths wear lots of fishnet. Others wear lots of crushed velvet and lace, very Victorian. Jewelry is usually silver. Very white faces with plenty of black eyeliner are seen on both women and men. Sometimes a bit or red or purple might be worn too.

Goth is a mode of self expression and creativity. Goths tend to be quiet, intelligent, creative people who focus on things dark and brooding, and especially the darker side of human nature.
Imagination and originality are key.

Not all goths are depressed. Not all goths wear black. All goths don’t even necessarily enjoy “goth music”. Most do not like to label themselves as “goth” at all.

Though the original Goth movement has faded out almost completely now, there is a new group of young goths, which are sometimes called “KinderGoth” or New School.