Rural Dictionary

Goth

"Goth" or "Gothic" refers to many things.
1) (Original meaning) The Goths were a tribe of what we would now call Germans, who, despite the Romans' constant efforts to steal their land, pwned Rome old-school back in the day; this led to the fall of the Roman empire. They were known for having beards, thus the term "barbarian" (as "barbarus" is Latin for beard). They were also known to be "uncivilized;" for example, they did not have walls, and had no significant military technology or battle strategy, yet often crushed the Romans with vicious charging attacks.
2)An angular and high-ceilinged style of architecture (known as "gothic") created during the Middle Ages which was derided as "gothic" in the sense of "barbaric" by pretentious Renaissance types who had bad taste in architecture. Most remaining gothic buildings are churches.
3)Goth is a subculture consisting of people known as "goths."
4)A Goth is a member of the above-mentioned subculture, who often (though not necessarily always) wears Goth clothing and may or may not listen to Goth music. Goths are generally atheists, often intellectual, and for the most part are not interested in mainstream music or mainstream values (such as materialism). Goth clothing is all generally black, but other than this Goth fashion varies. It generally does not include things such as t-shirts, sneakers or shorts, and can include any of the following:
-metal chains
-large black boots
-Victorian-style dresses (usually black)
-corsets
-black eye makeup
-leather
-studded or spiked belts
-various accesories involved in BDSM
-unusual hairstyles
5)Goth is a broad term for types of music, which though having no very specific definition (as practically no one calls their music "Goth music"), are generally rock which resembles metal (in both sound and instrumentation) and sometimes industrial rock (e.g. Nine Inch Nails). It tends to be dark both musically and thematically, particularly in relation to mainstream pop music. The main difference between Goth music and metal is that Goths listen to and play Goth music and metalheads listen to metal and often dislike Goths. Also, Goth music is less likely to have guitar solos and more likely to have female vocalists. Some music is however referred to as Goth metal, e.g. Lacuna Coil and Type O Negative.
Marilyn Manson's music can be referred to as Goth, but then, many people would consider that statement personally insulting. The band Evanescence is also sometimes called Goth, but many Goths also find this claim insulting due to a perceived similarity between and Evanescence and a nu-metal band called Linkin Park, whose music is complete shit.
6)"Goth" can be used as an insult by fools, much in the same way that punk is used by douches as an insult to people who openly call themselves punks.

"Why would anyone love a punked-out Goth freak?" -Britney Spears, referring to Amy Lee of Evanescence
"That building is so flagrantly Gothic! Well, I never! Architecture has just gone downhill since the Romans, don't you agree, Jeeves?"

by jazzriff October 11, 2005

19👍 19👎

Goth

People who are more for the less popular culture. They usually dress, but not restricted to, in black and baggy-ass pants covered in 100 pounds of chains, belts, straps and studs. They can dress in multicolored clothing and even have multicolored hair. They listen to underground (although very popular in the subculture) industrial groups or other electronic artists and metal. They have an obsession with gas masks, vinyl, goggles and wacky hair. Usually found at rave parties, vampirefreaks, and horror festivals. Goths usually consist of pale white people, Germans, Pseudo-Germans, very few black chicks, and Japenese people. You'll never see an Indian or Afgan goth person EVAR.

I guarentee you EVERY goth loves Invader Zim, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and any other Tim Burton movies that star Johnny Depp.

The emo and scene subculture derives their fashion from Goth fashion.

Goth kids would suck Jack Skellington's rotted cock if he were real. Since they don't like the norm, they'll act as if they like the taste of his rotted dong.

by Stay Gold Ponyboy September 4, 2009

8👍 7👎

goth

Generally speaking, most goths hate the title. those that actually like the title are more often than not posers. They generally wear black, but many just wear colors that people won't expect (example: neon paisly-pattern pants (yes, i actually know someone that wears them on a regular basis)).

Goths are generally seen as depressed or clinically insane, but this is not neccesarily true. The depression came from the black clothes, i think, and the clinically insane rumor -so far as i know- sparked because they tend to be very open about conflicting sides of themselves -like a conscience and a rebel and all those other wierd urges- and some that i know give their contrasting sides names. hence shcitsophrenia rumors.

And no, goth is NOT in the music one listens to! some rides on the lyrics, but what really matters is WHY a person listens to their music. I actually have goth friends that admit to liking a few Britney Spears songs (*cold shivers*).

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
"Probably not, but I don't really want to wait for you to explain whatever you were going to explain, so yeah! great idea! You wear the fake beard, I'll hide in the ventilation shaft." <--actual dialogue

by sylense May 7, 2004

18👍 18👎

Goth

Apparently, I'm a goth.

One shouldn't call themselves a goth, but after most of the people you know start to call you it, it just seems to fit.

Goths vary greatly.

We can be really nice people, or very nasty people.

We are usually artistic or bright, but keep very quiet.

We generally keep to ourselves, and don't cause trouble.

However, a Goth can be dangerous, as a lot of hate can be built up for a long time.

Satanism, wearing black, and any other stereotypical image is false. A goth does what he or she wants to.

A poser is simply someone who wants to be a goth. If you're a goth, you're a goth. It's not something to work towards. And it's not up to you (or me) to judge who is a poser and who isn't.

A goth is usually very dark and hates a lot of things. The mind of a goth is complex and beautiful, but not a very nice place.

A goth who wears nothing but black is a goth who wears nothing but black. This doesn't make them a goth. It doesn't make them a poser.

As long as it's not anything blindingly happy or stupidly depressing, goth's could listen to anything. Death Metal, Nu Metal, Gothic Metal, Classical, Gothic Rock, even Rock.

A true goth is defined by state of mind. A goth is hateful and chooses to be. But they do not choose to be a goth.

DO NOT confuse goth with emo. They are two very different things. Emo's are glorified people who have strong emotional tendancies. Goths are in control, relaxed and are secure.

Poser: "I wear black the whole time and I love it!!!! And this music is soo cool!! I love it all!! I'm such a good goth, see? I do everything right."

True Goth: "No, I don't cut myself. Why would I? The human body is to be respected, why damage yourself in any way? And talk to me like that again and I'll knock you out."

by Zimlock November 14, 2008

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