Goths were one of the numerous barbarian tribes, which invaded the crumbling Roman Empire at the end of the fourth century. Originally a minor Scandinavian people, they migrated to what is now northern Poland during the first century BC. Having submitted locals, they settled there for roughly a century. During the second century, they resumed their march southward, crossing what is now Poland, and Ukraine. They finally reached the shores of the Black Sea, coming into contact with the Romans, they wrestled present days Romania from. There, they created a large multiethnic empire, which waged several wars against Romans. This Empire was however destroyed by the Huns around 370

'nother view:

1) a person who likes to dress and act differently to the other people in society, normally in black but some like much brighter colours. They tend to be thinkers and more often than not quite creative. They have a satyrical sense of humour, and are able to laugh at both themselves and other people. This type of goth originated in the late 80's with the "death" of punk; goths back then liked the style and the "protection" it offered and so emulated it in their own style. 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.

2) an offshoot of the nu-metal clique who think that to *really* piss off their parents they'll dress all in black and talk about death and suicide whilst listening to Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park and Slipknot because it's "cool". They tend to have very little idea of the other type of goths (or anything else other than themselves for that matter) and will probably change their fashion once it becomes "uncool" again. Thank god.

1) I like this kind of goth and aspire to it.
2) I am not a "goth".

3) A misnomer for a follower of bands such as Marilyn Manson, Tool, Korn, SlipKnot, etc. Generally, bands like these were part of the reason why "goths" kept seeming whinier and whinier. Now not only are there bands trying to portray themselves as goth when goth is effectively dead, but now mass marketing has decided to reshape the subculture to cater to a very lucrative demographic: rebellious teenagers of middle- to upper-class families.

Why is it that there are no more flappers or beats, yet there's a plethora of "hippies," "punks," and "goths"?

The beats and the flappers probably just knew when to give up and move on.

'nother view:

An offshoot of the punk subculture. Marylin Manson and his followers are often mistaken as "goths", as well as any teenager who wears black or acts slightly sullen.

Jesus was gother than you.

'nother view:

Someone who likes the darker side of things. They usually listen to death metal and goth music, such as Dismember and Bauhaus. Marilyn Manson is NOT goth. He's just...weird. 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 DON'T 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, and usually succeed in life while the popular ones don't become much of anything.

If someone becomes "goth" because they couldn't get any friends or are depressed and angry all the time, they are most likely a poser.

In recent times, a goth is just a person. Many of them have similar traits, most are more different than one would think.

NOTE: Many younger "goths" aren't goth, but kids just trying to find themselves. No self-respecting goth takes the scene, or him/herself, seriously.

Unlike many of the close-minded, uninformed jackasses that have submitted definitions, goths tend to have an understanding of spelling, grammar, punctuation and other aspects of the English language.

'nother view:

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.

Sisters of mercy, The Cure, Siouxsie & the Banshees, Fields of the Nephilim

'nother view:

A person who is original and creative. Oftentimes, goths are spiritual, NOT SATAN WORSHIPPERS! One who doesn't mind that all the popular people either make fun of or don't notice them because they have their own friends and mostly are very nice. NOT A DEPRESSED SUICIDAL FREAK! Most goths are very kind and would do just about anything for just about anyone. Many goths are artistic and/or skilled at writing and poetry and very intellectual. Their language does NOT consist of slang terms adopted by the more popular cultures, but usually very advanced and skilled usage of the english language. Usually each real goth has their own personal style whatever it may be. There is no one type of music or band goths listen to, we all have our own preferences, likes, and dislikes. I say mostly or usually in all of these because there is always the stereotypical depressed, suicidal one known to us as a poser.

You laugh because I'm different, I laugh because you are all the same.

Don't even bother making fun of me...I really could care less what you think because I know that I am smarter than you...